Educational Links
Cross-Curricular Topics
PBSKids.org - watch episodes of PBS children's programming as well as lots of educational games that teach reading, science, math and social studies skills. My favorites for first graders are WordWorld, Super Why!, Clifford, The Electric Company, Wild Kratts and Sid the Science Kid. Many of the topics and skills addressed match our first grade benchmarks.
BrainPOP Jr. - This website has educational movies, quizzes and games on a wide variety of topics. Although much of the content is by subscription, every week they feature a new free movie of the week, as well as many standard free movies. Hint: go into each subject area to find all of the free movies (2-4 per subject area); if you take the "Free Stuff" link from their main page you will only see 6 free movies, less than half of what is available.
Learning Games at Scholastic.com - This link goes to the games found at the "Family Playground" section of Scholastic.com. These games are appropriate for 3-7 year olds. Some are just for fun, but many feature literacy skills like word building, vowel sound identification and rhyming or science topics (The Magic School Bus). You can also visit Scholastic's Interactive Whiteboard Activities that can be played on a PC as well. Be sure to follow the other tabs to Social Studies and Math & Science.
ABCya! - This link goes directly to the first grade section, although there is content for Pre-K through Grade 5. This popular site offers learning games that practice a variety of language arts, math, problem solving and even typing skills. Note that there are banner-style ads on this site, so I encourage parent monitoring when students are using the site.
Sheppard Software - This website has hundreds of learning games, many of which we use to practice skills in the classroom. I especially like the Science, Language Arts and Math games. Note that there are banner-style ads on this site, so I encourage parent monitoring when students are using the site.
Reading/Language Arts
Vocabulary Spelling City - This link takes you directly to my hub for students to practice their spelling words. I do not subscribe to the premium features, but students can play fun games to learn, practice, review and take practice tests with their spelling words. We will be using this in the classroom but I encourage students to use it outside of school too. An app is also available for iPad/iPhone/iPod and Android devices.
Starfall - This well-known site is a great compliment to our Open Court Reading Series. It reinforces the Sound/Spelling connections with many games and online books that support early literacy. Level 1 "ABCs" is a great review of kindergarten skills at the beginning of the school year, and I love the sign-language feature that teaches the signs for all the letters in this section. Level 2 "Learn to Read" is appropriate for most of our curriculum, but some students will be ready for Levels 3 and 4 before the end of the year.
Seussville - This Random House Books site is about all things Seuss. Students can explore information about the books, characters, and the author himself. There are also video clips of the 60's and 70's cartoons based on Dr. Seuss' books, and the games are great for practicing reading skills.
Between the Lions - This companion website to the children's PBS show features animated stories, video clips from the series and interactive literacy games that cover many topics.
Storyline Online - This site offers a great selection of quality children's picture books brought to life by the voice talents of professional actors and members of the Screen Actors Guild, who sponsor the site. It's a great way to introduce new books to children.
Roy the Zebra - With quirky characters, web developer Tim Bowerbank has created a wonderful site dedicated to developing children's literacy skills. There are many interactive reading games that we will also use in the classroom. Both phonics and grammar skills are addressed. Because this is a British site, terminology is slightly different; for example, a period is called a "full stop".
We Give Books - Full versions of hundreds of award-wining books to read online. This is completely free and a great way to explore new characters, authors and nonfiction books. These are not audio books; the user must read the books. Maximize to full screen for easier reading.
Math
Progress in Mathematics Grade 1 - This leads to our math textbook's online resources. Many interactive activities that support our lessons are available, including Problem of the day, Virtual Manipulatives, Tutorial videos, Vocabulary games and an Audio Glossary. This is a fantastic way to review and reinforce what we are learning in the classroom.
Science
MyPlate Kids' Place - This site, provided by the USDA, has many games, videos, activity sheets, and recipes to help children learn the new My Plate design that took the place of the Food Pyramid several years ago. These resources teach children how to make healthy food choices and ways to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. There are also resources for parents. We are using several activities in class, including the "Blast Off!" game.
National Geographic Kids Recycle Round-Up - We use this to introduce and build excitement about recycling in April for Earth Day. The National Geographic Kids website has many other valuable educational resources and games to explore.
Brain Breaks
GoNoodle - Lots of fun, quick activities for children to follow along with. Individuals or classes earn points and upgrade their mascot. Several educational videos as well. Parents can sign up for free with an email address.
StoryBots - create personalized videos or storybooks with your child as the star. Requires a monthly fee for full access.