The Websites I Can’t live without!

**DISCLAIMER: Before you read, please know that I am in NO way associated or being paid by any of these sites. I am just a classroom teacher writing from experience.

Hi everyone!
Happy belated 4th of July! If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I am moving to 2nd grade next school year. I have been teaching 1st grade for a number of years now, and even though I love everything about it, there is something about new beginnings.

What can I say. I am an animal of change.

This move to second grade has me really thinking and reflecting about all the possibilities. Someone I respect deeply told me the other day that 2nd grade is the perfect grade to teach. Her words mean the world. Excitement is an understatement.
Moving to a new grade level means a lot of changes. New standards, new team, new classroom… BUT one thing that I am sure will not be changing is how I use my favorite websites.

I had written before about providing intentional screen time to our students. Screen time can be purposeful: an extension of learning, individualized learning, reteaching a concept, etc. Screen time can also be “cute.” I have a problem with the word “cute” in education.
Like this:

Oh that website is so cute.

Oh that video is so cute, the kids will love it.

Oh they can make the cutest things on that website.

Yeah, no.

I never send my own boys to school to do cute stuff. Never.

Why?

Simple. Every minute counts.

Let me just begin by saying that in one way or another, there are payments involved with these websites. They are all worth it though.

Reading A-Z

This is a website that I use every. Single. Day. The membership will get you access to leveled books, lesson plans, and activities. Decodables, fluency activities, close reading, you name it. Any school can build their guided reading program based on this website.The correlation to Common Core and state standards are on point. Be prepared to assemble (or have parent volunteers help you!) the books. But once you make them, you will have them for years to come. Don’t even get me started about how you can be able to hit your content area while conducting your guided reading.

Brain Pop Jr.

This is another favorite! I use this website to project and introduce new concepts. Brain Pop Jr is organized by subjects. Within each subject, you can find relevant short clips. Let me say it again: in every single area. Reading, grammar, writing, science, social studies, math. Every year I take the time to teach my students know how to use it to extend their learning independently as well. Worth every penny.

Pebble Go

Oh how can I begin. A number of years ago, one of my sweet teammates showed me this website. Ever since, I am convinced that there is no other better research website for elementary students out there. Pebble Go has different databases. Each database has a great variety of topics. Each topic has text (kids can also click a speaker for students to listen to it) and real life photographs, activities, and short clips. This is the most complete site for young researchers.

The Mailbox

When I began teaching in the United States, this is the first resource I ever trusted. You know, back then when you used to get the actual magazines in the mail? Yep, like that. About 6 years or so ago I bought the gold membership online.

When the kids are a mess and you are looking for something fun and intentional? The mailbox has you covered.
When it is Sunday night and you are looking for a fun science activity for Monday? The Mailbox has you covered.
When you are looking for a treat idea for Valentine’s day? The Mailbox has you covered.
Do you want to differentiate your homework? The Mailbox has you covered.
Want alternatives for morning work? The Mailbox has you covered.

But why would you take my word for it? Really?!

Well… How about you enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post and you might win a year membership for free!

Teachers Pay Teachers

Well, believe it or not there are a lot of new and experienced teachers who still do not know about TPT. This is the website that will make you sane. This is the website that will help you go home early to your family. This is also the website that will keep you awake at night looking for that perfect resource. And if you believe it, this is also the website that will change your life! Find a seller (or sellers) that you trust. There are many. Each seller puts their heart and soul into each product. This website will show you that the greatest asset that we have is each other.

Tumblebooks

How about a website that allows your students to read and learn at the same time? A website that they love and that they can’t wait to get their minds to! My words won’t do this website justice. Many county libraries already own a membership. So check with your local library, and ask them if they’ll let you use it in your classroom!

RAZ Kids

Technology meets guided reading in this website. Think about the paper free hassle. Think about extending what you do in your guided reading groups at home. And… that you can track student progress in comprehension! My words won’t do it justice either.Totally worth it!!

Reading Rainbow

A grandparent gifted us a membership to this awesome website for teacher appreciation week. Late in the school year. When I was going brain dead. And the kids were bouncing off the walls. And testing was upon us.

Shame. (Think Cersei Lanister here)

So even though I did not get a chance to enjoy with my previous students, I will have a chance to with mew group of second graders. Hey some things happen for a reason, and I am glad I had the whole summer to “play” with this site and make sure on how to integrate it. The filed trips alone are amazing! If you are in a Title 1 school, you can apply and get it for free. #TeachersloveLevarBurton