Gallery of Links
Here you will find a list of links that are helpful for student learning and growth. As a first grade teacher, I engage my students in learning across multiple subject areas. For this reason, I have organized these links and resources based on the subjects I teach in my classroom. Click the icons on the left or the linked names of each resource to explore further!
Reading
Epic is a digital library for young readers. Users can enjoy books of various genres, topics, and reading levels. Some books are read aloud to students, while others can be read independently. Epic will even ask interest-based questions questions to guide your reading. With so many choices, this is a great resource for increasing reading motivation!
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Starfall is a website that offers both interactive online books with activities and phonics games. The phonics games focus on foundational reading skills like letter-sound recognition, reading sight words, and vowel sounds. While the website has resources for emergent readers, you can find first grade phonics activities and books HERE.
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Raz Kids is also an online library, but unlike Epic this resource focuses on leveled-reading options. While students need access to books based on topic and interest, they also need practice reading books that are "just right" in terms of difficulty. After students read a book at their level, they are asked a series of comprehension questions to earn stars. These stars can be used to decorate and personalize their rocket ship. This is a fun way to boost reading comprehension!
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PebbleGo is an online resource library that can be used across subject areas. This resource provides quality informational texts about subjects like animals, people, and science at a first-grade reading level. Students can use this tool to conduct research about a vast number of topics. This tool has the option for students to read independently or have texts read aloud to them to differentiate instruction.
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Writing
Book Creator is a fantastic way to bring students' stories to life! This is a great publishing tool that allows students to create and share their stories digitally. There are a variety of layout options, and finished work can easily be saved and shared as a PDF or video. Features like audio recording, typing, and drawing allow students to narrate and personalize their books.
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Some students have amazing stories to tell, but handwriting can make it difficult for others to read their work. Writing Wizard for Kids is an engaging way to help students practice handwriting skills. Students are given guidance about proper letter formation for both uppercase and lowercase letters. Students are motivated by different pen colors and styles!
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Popplet is a great tool for planning and organizing before students begin writing. This interactive mapping tool allows students to create their own planning resources that can be used for any genre. With the main idea at the center, students can carefully plan each detail of their writing piece. Students can then use their plan to guide them throughout the writing process.
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Math
Khan Academy has an app that provides grade-level appropriate math tutorials and quizzes. Students can explore subjects like addition and subtraction, place value, geometry, measurement, and data. These concepts align with the first grade Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The tutorial videos have great visual and verbal cues for young learners.
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ABCya is a website that provides games that help students build foundational math skills. This resource helps students understand concepts like place value, counting, and money. ABCya organizes their games by grade-level, so there are opportunities to differentiate instruction for students who may need a challenge or review concepts from previous grades.
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Social Studies
Brain Pop Jr. uses engaging animated videos to engage K-3 students in all subject areas. This resource covers social studies topics like holidays, communities, history, and more. After watching a video, Brain Pop Jr. offers activities like comprehension quizzes, vocabulary games, and writing prompts.
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Science
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Coding
Code.org is an online coding curriculum for students of all ages. Code.org provides resources for younger students, that include verbal and visual teaching prompts. This is a great introduction to coding for students because it provides the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to begin learning about computer science.
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Scratch Jr. allows students to create their own programs and games using basic coding skills. Students can also engage in games that prompt students to move characters using strings of code. This is another great introduction tool for younger students learning problem-solving skills through coding.
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Image Sources:
Epic Logo retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic!
Starfall Logo retrieved from http://customtimewarnercablekids.wikia.com/wiki/File:Starfall-logo.png
Raz Kids Logo retrieved from https://www.raz-kids.com/
PebbleGo Logo retrieved from http://www.edtechroundup.org/reviews/pebblego-from-capstone-prek-2-database-for-reading-and-research
Book Creator Logo retrieved from https://bookcreator.com/press/
Writing Wizard for Kids Logo retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/writing-wizard-for-kids/id631446426?mt=8
Popplet Logo retrieved from https://sites.google.com/a/my.maryvillecollege.edu/anna-owens-educational-technology/home/project-1/popplet-for-brainstorming
Khan Academy Logo retrieved from http://education.wikia.com/wiki/File:Khan_Academy.png_(3683%C3%972832).png
ABCya.com Logo retrieved from http://www.abcya.com/
Brain Pop Jr. Logo retrieved from http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/BrainPOP_Jr.
Moon Atlas Logo retrieved from https://appadvice.com/app/moon-atlas/302171459
Star Chart Logo retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-chart-vr/id1083945479?mt=8
Code.org Logo retrieved from https://store.code.org/products/code-org-logo-temporary-tattoos?variant=28825129025
Scratch Jr. Logo retrieved from https://www.schudio.com/apps-love-scratch-jr/