Awesome Stories AwesomeStories is about primary sources. The stories exist as a way to place original materials in context and to hold those links together in an interesting, cohesive way (thereby encouraging people to look at them). It is a totally different kind of web site in that its purpose is to place primary sources at the forefront – not the opinions of a writer. Its objective is to take the site’s users to places where those primary sources are located. Sign up for free and have access to lesson plans, narrations, images, slide shows, videos, and vocabulary builders. Awesome Stories is an awesome web site.
Primary Wall.com is a lot like Wallwisher and allows students to brainstorm together and add ideas to group projects.
Posted by jenmalonetn | Posted in Blogs, Writing | Posted on December 9, 2011
6 Reasons Why Kids Should Be Blogging
In the digital age, kids need to have an understanding of what it means to be a responsible digital citizen. They need to learn the technical how-to’s, as well as a more global comprehension of how to navigate the online world.
MacMillan Christmas Advent Calendar would make a great bell-ringer activity. Click on the day to reveal a fun fact along with a journal story starter.
Slime Kids.Com Don’t let the name fool you. Slime Kids is a web site from School Library Media Kids and has book trailers and teasers to engage young readers.
Posted by jenmalonetn | Posted in Reading/Language Arts, Writing | Posted on October 14, 2011
Story Something.Com Story Something puts your children at the center of their own interactive story worlds. Share stories, collect items, and earn awards to open new reading adventures.
Five Card Flickr Story is a great site to get students writing. Students choose five photos, one at a time, and must build a story to match the pictures. Fun idea that could easily be duplicated for younger students.
Arthur Comic Creator allows students to bring one of their favorite characters from literature and the PBS cartoon come to life by creating comic strips. What a great tie in to language arts lessons and creative writing!
Posted by jenmalonetn | Posted in Reading/Language Arts, Writing | Posted on October 12, 2011
Word Tamer has a line on the opening page that says – “Warning: Words are wild creatures which need careful handling.” Students learn to handle words as they work through this site creating stories.
Posted by jenmalonetn | Posted in Encyclopedia, Odds and Ends, Writing | Posted on August 4, 2011
Words Like.Net
Students and teachers will like this free site writing class. It is a free service that allows you to find words and phrases that are similar or related to each other.
Type in a word or a phrase and Words Like.net will come up with a list of related words and their corresponding definitions.
12 iPad Apps for Storytelling from “Apps in Education” blog has a nice collection of resources for teachers using iPads in the classroom.
Primary Pad
PrimaryPad is a web-based word processor designed for schools that allows pupils and teachers to work together in real-time.
Integrating Blogging in the Elementary Classroom from the “Integrating Technology in the Primary Classroom” blog has practical strategies for starting a blogging program in the early grades.
Posted by jenmalonetn | Posted in Reading/Language Arts, Writing | Posted on June 14, 2011
Boom Writer Boomwiter supports creative writing, reading comprehension, peer editing and genre studies, to name just a few vital reading and writing skills. This online writing program is free to schools but requires registration.
Can Teach Elementary Writing Promts has dozens of story starters or journal topics to use with elementary students.
Kids on the Net.Org has several online writing activities for elementary age students.
Between the Lions is another great PBS site with games, stories, and videos for students. Looking for fun activities and games you can do with your kids throughout the day to help them learn to read and write? You’ll find them here, along with recommended books and tips to get your kids wild about books and reading.
Tween Tribune Essay Contest
Students: Win $10,000 with 100 words What’s a word worth? Do the math: TeenTribune.com and TweenTribune.com announce a writing contest with $10,000 in cash prizes for all registered students in Grade 3 through Grade 12. Entries will be judged in ten categories, with separate categories for each grade, 3rd through 12th.
100 words could win you $100 – or $500 – with a 100-word essay about technology. TeenTribune.com and TweenTribune.com will distribute $10,000 among 60 winning writers.
Lexipedia. Com allows you to type in a word and receive a web of synonyms, antonyms, or “fuzzy” synonyms. Looks great for student writing projects or reading vocabulary practice.
Explore the Blue from Discovery Education
Site has standards-aligned lesson plans for K-2 and 3-5 integrating math, science, language arts, health, social studies, and physical education. Also includes interactive games for students, habitat maps that explore the aquatic plant and animal life of your state and region, suggested activities for families, and a contest in which students write an essay describing their favorite boating or fishing experience. (Enter Here by Dec. 17)
Rhymer.Com is a free online rhyming dictionary – the perfect tool for students studying and writing poetry.
Hub for Teachers from Discovery
Communication skills are critical for today’s students. Reading, writing and the ability to tell a story set the stage for success. The Hub, a new TV destination dedicated to bringing kids and families together, is partnering with Discovery Education to support teachers in this important endeavor. Here you’ll find inspiration to engage and inspire your budding writers. Meet the artists, editors and writers that bring good stories to life—and watch your students’ communication skills soar!
Read Now with Taylor Swift Essay Contest from Scholastic
“What is the book I will always remember reading, and why?”On an 8.5×11 sheet of paper, write 250 words or less answering the question. 10 winning students (with their parent or legal guardian) will be selected to receive an all-expense paid trip to NYC to attend the “READ NOW! with Taylor Swift” literacy event.
Deadline is Sept. 20, 2010
Fablevision.Com Creativity Tips
When Peter H. Reynolds speaks to classrooms around the world, educators and students always ask for tips about leading a more creative life. The following articles provide ideas and inspiration as you embark on your creative journey. Check back for more ideas, support and tips, and please let us know how your creativity mission unfolds!
