The following are a list of resources that I have found to be helpful to me as a classroom teacher. Parents and Students access these resources as well!
Teacher Resources
DonorsChoose is a website that allows teachers to reach out to their communities for help in funding classroom supplies. The site allows teachers to explain their school and classroom and ask for help in getting materials to benefit their students. Companies, community members, family members, or fellow staff members can view the project and donate money to help the teacher receive their materials.
I have gotten 17 projects funded through DonorsChoose. For example, I have received 4 Chrome Books, a new classroom carpet, classroom library books, guided reading games, and headphones. It has been a powerful resource for me and has allowed me to make learning more fun and hands on for my kids!
Actively Learn Actively Learn is an amazing literacy website for teachers and students! It allows teachers and students to access thousands of texts online!
As the teacher, I am able to assign a text to students, insert questions that are tied to standards, and students are able to respond to the questions on the computer! The best part about it is that the text is sent directly to the students via Google Classroom!
You have the ability to search the text library according to grade level, standard, or subject area. If you are unable to find a text that is fitting for your students the website allows you to upload your own text or link an article from the internet to the website!
This tool has been fun to use with my students! They are actively reading and using the online features to practice test taking strategies. The website allows them to take notes (using online sticky notes), listen to the story, and answer questions. Their reading has improved so much!
ClassDojo
This is a behavior management resource that has come in handy during my years of teaching. ClassDojo allows you to use technology to motivate students. Students earn points for specific behaviors. Students can also lose points for negative behaviors.
In my fifth grade class I tie the points to the following reward system
25 points = write with a pen for the day
50 points = free homework pass
75 points = positive phone call home
100 points = special breakfast with Mrs. Sandler
ClassDojo also has a messenger feature. This feature allows me to have direct contact with the parents. Parents have access to their child’s Dojo account and can view their points and behaviors. I have the ability to message parents at any time. It has been a huge help in communication among myself and parents.
Google Search for Kids
Did you know that Google has a kid friendly web search called Kiddle? Follow this link to check it out.
This resource helps engage students in real world learning experiences. It provides teachers and students with . . .
- Videos, songs, and writing prompt
- Virtual field trips
- Virtual Reality experiences
- Online poster building
- Online quizzes and assignments
This is an amazing resource used with students in the classroom for math, reading, and writing. It provides teachers and students with . . .
- Individualized standards based problems and activities
- Standards based quizzes
- Math Fluency practice
- Writing prompts
- Skills based activities
- Adaptive practice for reading, writing, and math
Allison Sandler 