Recommended Websites
English as a Second Language
Mes English (Teaching Resources)
- Collection of activities, worksheets, flashcards and other teaching materials with a English language reading, writing, speaking and listening focus.
Laternfish (Teaching Resources)
- Collection of group role plays that involve all members of the class at the same time. Includes employment, travel, daily situations and other themes. Aimed at older speakers.
ESL Kids (Games)
- Flashcards, games and songs to support teachers who work with English language learners.
Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (Professional Support)
- A network of support for English and French second language teachers across Canada.
Phrase Up (Proofreading)
- This was recommended by Nik Peachey's article on LInkedIn. I tried a sentence but it was unsuccessful but did not have time to experiment further.
Forvo (Pronunciation)
- Look up words and hear the pronunciation in multiple dialects (e.g. UK, USA, Canadian, Australia...etc.).
HowJSay (Pronunciation)
- Similar to Forgo but not selection of accents.
transl8it! (Translation)
- Translates regular English into text lingo or vice versa.
My Language (Research)
- Collection of research that supports the benefit of supporting students' first language as they develop their second language skills.
Mes English (Teaching Resources)
- Collection of activities, worksheets, flashcards and other teaching materials with a English language reading, writing, speaking and listening focus.
Laternfish (Teaching Resources)
- Collection of group role plays that involve all members of the class at the same time. Includes employment, travel, daily situations and other themes. Aimed at older speakers.
ESL Kids (Games)
- Flashcards, games and songs to support teachers who work with English language learners.
Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (Professional Support)
- A network of support for English and French second language teachers across Canada.
Phrase Up (Proofreading)
- This was recommended by Nik Peachey's article on LInkedIn. I tried a sentence but it was unsuccessful but did not have time to experiment further.
Forvo (Pronunciation)
- Look up words and hear the pronunciation in multiple dialects (e.g. UK, USA, Canadian, Australia...etc.).
HowJSay (Pronunciation)
- Similar to Forgo but not selection of accents.
transl8it! (Translation)
- Translates regular English into text lingo or vice versa.
My Language (Research)
- Collection of research that supports the benefit of supporting students' first language as they develop their second language skills.
Geography
My Parks Pass (Informative)
- Grade 8 and Secondary students receive a free pass to discover parks and historic sites across Canada. Distribution of the passes are handled by the classroom teacher so should be ordered in advance.
My Parks Pass (Informative)
- Grade 8 and Secondary students receive a free pass to discover parks and historic sites across Canada. Distribution of the passes are handled by the classroom teacher so should be ordered in advance.
Social Studies
Social Studies for Kids (Short Readings)
- A wide range of topics about current and historical events from across the world. Some visuals but would need extra support for ESL or hesitant readers.
Social Studies for Kids (Short Readings)
- A wide range of topics about current and historical events from across the world. Some visuals but would need extra support for ESL or hesitant readers.
Math
Sum Dog (Games)
- Game site for practicing math skills.
Pan Balance (Tool)
- Interactive tool to help student visualize making equal values.
Worksheet Works (Templates)
- Math templates ranging from 10 frames, Canadian money to clocks.
Worksheet Works (Teaching Resources)
- Math worksheets for primary students.
Math in a Cultural Context (Teaching Resources)
- Using traditional Inuit learning to develop mathematical skills. Excellent resource but difficult to find.
Dreambox (Math program that uses games)
- (Recommended by my professor in the math AQ.)
Prodigy Math Game (Math program that uses games)
- (Recommended by my professor in the math AQ.)
Math Homework Help (Tutoring & Homework Help)
- Free for Ontario's students from grade 7 to 10.
Math is Fun (Instructions & Worksheets)
- Step by step lessons on various mathematical concepts with visual support and practice questions.
Multiplication.Com (Games, Worksheets & Resources)
- Mixture of resources all about multiplication.
Measurement Worksheets
- Wonderful selection of worksheets that include both metric and empirical systems.
Visual Patterns (Problem Solving)
- Students developing their skills to describe patterns.
Sum Dog (Games)
- Game site for practicing math skills.
Pan Balance (Tool)
- Interactive tool to help student visualize making equal values.
Worksheet Works (Templates)
- Math templates ranging from 10 frames, Canadian money to clocks.
Worksheet Works (Teaching Resources)
- Math worksheets for primary students.
Math in a Cultural Context (Teaching Resources)
- Using traditional Inuit learning to develop mathematical skills. Excellent resource but difficult to find.
Dreambox (Math program that uses games)
- (Recommended by my professor in the math AQ.)
Prodigy Math Game (Math program that uses games)
- (Recommended by my professor in the math AQ.)
Math Homework Help (Tutoring & Homework Help)
- Free for Ontario's students from grade 7 to 10.
Math is Fun (Instructions & Worksheets)
- Step by step lessons on various mathematical concepts with visual support and practice questions.
Multiplication.Com (Games, Worksheets & Resources)
- Mixture of resources all about multiplication.
Measurement Worksheets
- Wonderful selection of worksheets that include both metric and empirical systems.
Visual Patterns (Problem Solving)
- Students developing their skills to describe patterns.
Science
Soft Schools (Reading, Quiz & Games)
- The concept and information in this site is good. However, there are no visuals so the site would not be supportive for ESL or hesitant readers.
How Stuff Works (Reading, Video & Audio)
- Wide variety of topics, now only describing how machines/technology works but also social science topics.
Mystery Science (Reading, Video, Audio & Activities )
- Mini-lessons on a variety of science topics from kindergarten to grade 6. Can be used with a whole group or small-group web-quest activity.
Soft Schools (Reading, Quiz & Games)
- The concept and information in this site is good. However, there are no visuals so the site would not be supportive for ESL or hesitant readers.
How Stuff Works (Reading, Video & Audio)
- Wide variety of topics, now only describing how machines/technology works but also social science topics.
Mystery Science (Reading, Video, Audio & Activities )
- Mini-lessons on a variety of science topics from kindergarten to grade 6. Can be used with a whole group or small-group web-quest activity.
Technology
Lightbot (Activities)
- Students uses puzzles on the site to program a robot to run tasks.
Voki (Video)
- Software to design videos.
Sammy's Guide to Internet Safety (Activities)
- An interactive website to teach students about internet safety from ATT.
The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet (Advice)
- A list of suggestions on how to monitor and create safe technological experiences for children.
Lightbot (Activities)
- Students uses puzzles on the site to program a robot to run tasks.
Voki (Video)
- Software to design videos.
Sammy's Guide to Internet Safety (Activities)
- An interactive website to teach students about internet safety from ATT.
The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet (Advice)
- A list of suggestions on how to monitor and create safe technological experiences for children.
Multi-Media
Teacher Tube (Videos)
- A student-safe uTube site for video and audio teaching resources.
BrainPop (Videos)
- Animated videos on a wide variety of topics such as English, Science..etc...
Teacher Tube (Videos)
- A student-safe uTube site for video and audio teaching resources.
BrainPop (Videos)
- Animated videos on a wide variety of topics such as English, Science..etc...
Physical Activity & Healthy Living
Purposeful Movement (Blog)
- Doug Gleddie's blog that focuses on physical activity beyond the curriculum-mandated PE.
Joint Consortium for School Health (Professional Support)
- Support for teachers and administrators to promote a "comprehensive school health approach to student well-being and achievement/success".
Sustainable Happiness (Professional Support)
- Catherine O'Brien has researched and published on the connections between happiness, wellbeing and sustainability.
TeachNutrition (Activities)
- A site with a mixture of activities and resources for teaching healthy eating habits and nutrition.
Purposeful Movement (Blog)
- Doug Gleddie's blog that focuses on physical activity beyond the curriculum-mandated PE.
Joint Consortium for School Health (Professional Support)
- Support for teachers and administrators to promote a "comprehensive school health approach to student well-being and achievement/success".
Sustainable Happiness (Professional Support)
- Catherine O'Brien has researched and published on the connections between happiness, wellbeing and sustainability.
TeachNutrition (Activities)
- A site with a mixture of activities and resources for teaching healthy eating habits and nutrition.
Literacy
Reading A - Z (Teaching Resources)
- Selection of printable books and extra worksheets. Good source for teachers who need instant assessment materials or to create a solid leveled reading program.
International Literacy Association (Professional Support)
- A global association for educators that focuses on literacy and provides professional development opportunities such as conferences.
Branches of the ILA: Ontario Literacy Association, Canadian Special Interest Group
Scholastic Tide Pool (Teaching Resources)
- An online story about a Tide Pool that can be presented on an interactive whiteboard with supporting vocabulary, research or discussion activities.
Scholastic iSpy Games (Games)
- Picture and word online bingo games for young or English Language Learning students.
Abracadabra (Games)
- An interactive website to encourage literacy and reading comprehension.
Think, Read and Write (Teaching Resources)
- Free materials for reading and language arts instruction.
Reading Rockets (Professional Support)
- Research-developed strategies for developing reading skills that support the Ontario curriculum.
Asian Adventures (Webquest)
- Created during teacher's college to encourage students' understanding of Asian cultures. The target was grade 4 Australian students using Victorian curriculum standards but would be appropriate for other students around the world.
Worksheet Works (Worksheets)
- Create your own tracing worksheets using print, pre-cursive or cursive styles of writing.
Starfall (Games)
- Collection of alphabet and reading games for young children.
Read Write Think (Teacher Resources)
- Selection of classroom resources such as lesson plans and professional development such as strategy guides.
Inhabit Media (Publisher)
- Publisher of excellent Inuit and northern literature.
CAAN Read (Product)
- Hands on literacy tools to support early language development created by First Nations educators in the Yukon.
Stories to Grow By (Stories & Reader's Theatre)
- I had difficulty getting the search feature to work on my computer (mac) but could access the plays without problem. The summery includes the number of roles. However, not the difficulty of the roles so make sure to pre-read to ensure that the roles will be appropriate for the students they are assigned to.
Wordnik (Dictionary, Thesaurus..etc.)
- The dictionary entries include definitions and examples from multiple sources (e.g. Wall Street Journal) as well as related words (e.g. synonyms, hypemyms..etc.)
Measured Mom Student Dictionary
- Student dictionaries with many different formats.
Guided Reading and Writing (Teacher Training)
- A collection of videos and resources on how to use guided reading in the classroom.
Unite for Literacy
- A collection of books available to read in English and Spanish or to listen to in 38 different languages.
Reading A - Z (Teaching Resources)
- Selection of printable books and extra worksheets. Good source for teachers who need instant assessment materials or to create a solid leveled reading program.
International Literacy Association (Professional Support)
- A global association for educators that focuses on literacy and provides professional development opportunities such as conferences.
Branches of the ILA: Ontario Literacy Association, Canadian Special Interest Group
Scholastic Tide Pool (Teaching Resources)
- An online story about a Tide Pool that can be presented on an interactive whiteboard with supporting vocabulary, research or discussion activities.
Scholastic iSpy Games (Games)
- Picture and word online bingo games for young or English Language Learning students.
Abracadabra (Games)
- An interactive website to encourage literacy and reading comprehension.
Think, Read and Write (Teaching Resources)
- Free materials for reading and language arts instruction.
Reading Rockets (Professional Support)
- Research-developed strategies for developing reading skills that support the Ontario curriculum.
Asian Adventures (Webquest)
- Created during teacher's college to encourage students' understanding of Asian cultures. The target was grade 4 Australian students using Victorian curriculum standards but would be appropriate for other students around the world.
Worksheet Works (Worksheets)
- Create your own tracing worksheets using print, pre-cursive or cursive styles of writing.
Starfall (Games)
- Collection of alphabet and reading games for young children.
Read Write Think (Teacher Resources)
- Selection of classroom resources such as lesson plans and professional development such as strategy guides.
Inhabit Media (Publisher)
- Publisher of excellent Inuit and northern literature.
CAAN Read (Product)
- Hands on literacy tools to support early language development created by First Nations educators in the Yukon.
Stories to Grow By (Stories & Reader's Theatre)
- I had difficulty getting the search feature to work on my computer (mac) but could access the plays without problem. The summery includes the number of roles. However, not the difficulty of the roles so make sure to pre-read to ensure that the roles will be appropriate for the students they are assigned to.
Wordnik (Dictionary, Thesaurus..etc.)
- The dictionary entries include definitions and examples from multiple sources (e.g. Wall Street Journal) as well as related words (e.g. synonyms, hypemyms..etc.)
Measured Mom Student Dictionary
- Student dictionaries with many different formats.
Guided Reading and Writing (Teacher Training)
- A collection of videos and resources on how to use guided reading in the classroom.
Unite for Literacy
- A collection of books available to read in English and Spanish or to listen to in 38 different languages.
Visual & Performance Arts
Flickriver (Photographs)
- A selection of inspiring photos that can be used to inspire artwork or written expression. (Perhaps a good source for PWIM or Picturing Writing material.)
Pimpampum (Visualized Literature)
- After entering a phrase, the website adds visuals to each word. Not clip art but authentic photos.
Flickriver (Photographs)
- A selection of inspiring photos that can be used to inspire artwork or written expression. (Perhaps a good source for PWIM or Picturing Writing material.)
Pimpampum (Visualized Literature)
- After entering a phrase, the website adds visuals to each word. Not clip art but authentic photos.
Mixed Planning
Curriculum Planner Units (Unit Plans)
- Mixture of unit plans for a variety of subjects (e.g. science) used the Ontario curriculum as a guideline but appropriate for other students around the world.
Teachers Net (Lesson, Activities & Networking)
- Simple to follow lesson plans and activities along with chart boards for colleague discussions.
A To Z Teacher Stuff (Lesson & Activities)
- Themed lesson plans and worksheet generators (e.g. word search, handwriting...etc.).
Teach-Oology *Paid Membership* (Technology Lessons & Activities)
- I haven't used this site but it was recommended in Barbara Pressman's Substitute Teaching from A to Z.
Teaching Treasures (Activities, Printable & Articles)
- The site is aimed for parents but the resources will also support primary teachers with a collection of ideas. It can also be passed on to parents who ask for ways to support their child at home.
Teacher Planet (Activities, Printables & Assessment)
- Collection of theme or independent activities to use in the classroom along with a variety of rubrics for assessment.
TLS Books (Worksheets)
- Grade, subject and theme printables.
Student Hand Outs (Worksheets)
- Grade, subject and theme printables.
Teacher's Notebook (Worksheets)
- Teachers share or sell a variety of worksheets and printable.
NowPlay (Research & Teacher Resources)
- Research on using play to teach oral language and literacy.
The Teachers Corner (Lessons, Collaboration Projects and Resources)
- This site has a particularly unique section that works like an online pen-pal project but with theme/topic based projects (e.g. slide shows).
Layered Curriculum *Some paid* (Teacher Resources)
- Differentiated learning through integrated methods of teaching. The workbooks and texts cost money, however the site has some interesting articles ranging from autism to running a flipped classroom.
Curriculum Planner Units (Unit Plans)
- Mixture of unit plans for a variety of subjects (e.g. science) used the Ontario curriculum as a guideline but appropriate for other students around the world.
Teachers Net (Lesson, Activities & Networking)
- Simple to follow lesson plans and activities along with chart boards for colleague discussions.
A To Z Teacher Stuff (Lesson & Activities)
- Themed lesson plans and worksheet generators (e.g. word search, handwriting...etc.).
Teach-Oology *Paid Membership* (Technology Lessons & Activities)
- I haven't used this site but it was recommended in Barbara Pressman's Substitute Teaching from A to Z.
Teaching Treasures (Activities, Printable & Articles)
- The site is aimed for parents but the resources will also support primary teachers with a collection of ideas. It can also be passed on to parents who ask for ways to support their child at home.
Teacher Planet (Activities, Printables & Assessment)
- Collection of theme or independent activities to use in the classroom along with a variety of rubrics for assessment.
TLS Books (Worksheets)
- Grade, subject and theme printables.
Student Hand Outs (Worksheets)
- Grade, subject and theme printables.
Teacher's Notebook (Worksheets)
- Teachers share or sell a variety of worksheets and printable.
NowPlay (Research & Teacher Resources)
- Research on using play to teach oral language and literacy.
The Teachers Corner (Lessons, Collaboration Projects and Resources)
- This site has a particularly unique section that works like an online pen-pal project but with theme/topic based projects (e.g. slide shows).
Layered Curriculum *Some paid* (Teacher Resources)
- Differentiated learning through integrated methods of teaching. The workbooks and texts cost money, however the site has some interesting articles ranging from autism to running a flipped classroom.
Assessment
Sandra Herbst and Anne Davies (Blog)
- Literacy consultants who focus on student empowerment as a means to promote student engagement and criteria collaboration.
Sandra Herbst and Anne Davies (Blog)
- Literacy consultants who focus on student empowerment as a means to promote student engagement and criteria collaboration.
Motor Skills
50 Fine Motor Skills (Activities)
- A collection of activities to develop fine motor skills for young children.
50 Fine Motor Skills (Activities)
- A collection of activities to develop fine motor skills for young children.
Behaviour Management
Teachspeced (Teacher Resources)
- Resources and ideas for supporting students with special needs.
Centre for Collaborative Problem Solving (Teaching Resources)
- Information about using Collaborative Problem Solving techniques to support students who struggle with behaviour and self-regulation.
Classroom Management Self-Assessment (Self-Reflection)
- A questionnaire (.doc) to help assess your behaviour management style and evaluate areas to improve on.
98 Ways to say "Very Good" (Motivation)
- Alternative motivational phrases to motivate and encourage.
Teachspeced (Teacher Resources)
- Resources and ideas for supporting students with special needs.
Centre for Collaborative Problem Solving (Teaching Resources)
- Information about using Collaborative Problem Solving techniques to support students who struggle with behaviour and self-regulation.
Classroom Management Self-Assessment (Self-Reflection)
- A questionnaire (.doc) to help assess your behaviour management style and evaluate areas to improve on.
98 Ways to say "Very Good" (Motivation)
- Alternative motivational phrases to motivate and encourage.
IEPs
The School Psych Toolbox (Assessment Documentation)
- Collection of IEP goals written by a school psychologist and ranging from emotional regulation to on-task completion.
The School Psych Toolbox (Assessment Documentation)
- Collection of IEP goals written by a school psychologist and ranging from emotional regulation to on-task completion.
Special Education
Autism Educators (Templates and Resources)
- Collection of resources recommended by an EA at Pinecrest Public School.
LD@School (Information and Resources)
- Articles, videos and tons of resources on how to support learners at school and at home. Recommended by the OCT's Professionally Speaking magazine (Aug. 2018)
OCDSB's Augmentative and Alternative Communication Team (Templates and Resources)
- Collection of resources recommended support diverse learners. Teachers of OCDSB also have access to the team's Lending Library of hands on resources.
The School Psych Toolbox (Blog, IEP writing and Behaviour Management)
- The blog is no longer being updated but there are a number of good resources in the site to support teachers.
Famous People with Reading Disabilities (Inspirational)
- An inspiring video on people who have accomplished wonderful things while facing challenges in Literacy and academics.
Dyslexia Explained (Informational)
- Understanding dyslexia and the academic challenges students face.
Teaching Deaf Students in an Inclusive Classroom (Informational and Teaching Resources)
- Supporting students who are deaf through a welcoming classroom environment.
Talk Typer (Assistive Technology)
- Website that use speech recognition to transcribe a student's learning.
Picking the Right Type of Schedule (Informational)
- Detailed information on the different types of schedules and how to implement them for special needs students.
Autism Educators (Templates and Resources)
- Collection of resources recommended by an EA at Pinecrest Public School.
LD@School (Information and Resources)
- Articles, videos and tons of resources on how to support learners at school and at home. Recommended by the OCT's Professionally Speaking magazine (Aug. 2018)
OCDSB's Augmentative and Alternative Communication Team (Templates and Resources)
- Collection of resources recommended support diverse learners. Teachers of OCDSB also have access to the team's Lending Library of hands on resources.
The School Psych Toolbox (Blog, IEP writing and Behaviour Management)
- The blog is no longer being updated but there are a number of good resources in the site to support teachers.
Famous People with Reading Disabilities (Inspirational)
- An inspiring video on people who have accomplished wonderful things while facing challenges in Literacy and academics.
Dyslexia Explained (Informational)
- Understanding dyslexia and the academic challenges students face.
Teaching Deaf Students in an Inclusive Classroom (Informational and Teaching Resources)
- Supporting students who are deaf through a welcoming classroom environment.
Talk Typer (Assistive Technology)
- Website that use speech recognition to transcribe a student's learning.
Picking the Right Type of Schedule (Informational)
- Detailed information on the different types of schedules and how to implement them for special needs students.
Substitute Teaching
Trick of the Trade (Resources)
- A collection of tips and tricks to make the transition into substitute teaching smoother.
Trick of the Trade (Resources)
- A collection of tips and tricks to make the transition into substitute teaching smoother.
Parent Guides and Resources
Reading and Writing With Your Child (Document)
- Resource to help parents support their child's Literacy development.
Doing Mathematics With Your Child (Document)
- Resource to help parents support their child's Numeracy development.
People for Education (Document)
- Excellent resources to support parents in Ontario as they navigate the education system. Resources are available in many different languages.
Reviews.com: Best Online Tutoring (Information)
- Advocated for by Jessica C, a Reviews staff member, this resource provides good information on the process of finding, evaluating and working with online tutors.
Reading and Writing With Your Child (Document)
- Resource to help parents support their child's Literacy development.
Doing Mathematics With Your Child (Document)
- Resource to help parents support their child's Numeracy development.
People for Education (Document)
- Excellent resources to support parents in Ontario as they navigate the education system. Resources are available in many different languages.
Reviews.com: Best Online Tutoring (Information)
- Advocated for by Jessica C, a Reviews staff member, this resource provides good information on the process of finding, evaluating and working with online tutors.
Becoming a Teacher
JobHero: Academic Career Resource Guide (Online Resources)
- A site recommended by Louisa W for those interested in becoming post-secondary educators. Also includes links to resources on CV and Resume writing.
JobHero: Academic Career Resource Guide (Online Resources)
- A site recommended by Louisa W for those interested in becoming post-secondary educators. Also includes links to resources on CV and Resume writing.
Games
PBS Kids (Games & Videos)
- The videos are only available in the US. However, the games work elsewhere.
Fun Brain (Games)
- Includes math, reading and general fun activities.
PBS Kids (Games & Videos)
- The videos are only available in the US. However, the games work elsewhere.
Fun Brain (Games)
- Includes math, reading and general fun activities.
Community Connections
National Association of Friendship Centres (FNMI)
- An indigenous organization who connects members of the FNMI community with resources and are a potential source of contact for inviting elders into the classroom.
National Association of Friendship Centres (FNMI)
- An indigenous organization who connects members of the FNMI community with resources and are a potential source of contact for inviting elders into the classroom.
Other
PosteRazor (Software)
- An online program that takes photos and enlarges them into poster size. *Note: I have not tried it myself but it was recommended by a colleague.
Tagxedo (Software)
- Create shaped word clouds.
Anki (Software)
- Creating electronic flashcards for older students.
Glogster (Software)
- Digital storytelling.
World (Creative Writing Program)
- Create word clouds by copying and pasting text or typing a word list.
Which One Doesn't Belong (Thinking Skills)
- 4 choices with no "correct" answer are used to encourage students to verbalize their rational and logical thinking.
Snapverter (App - Text supporter)
- Scans texts in pdf or other secure forms and turns them into a Google Doc. I haven't used this site yet, but it was recommended by an LRT.
PosteRazor (Software)
- An online program that takes photos and enlarges them into poster size. *Note: I have not tried it myself but it was recommended by a colleague.
Tagxedo (Software)
- Create shaped word clouds.
Anki (Software)
- Creating electronic flashcards for older students.
Glogster (Software)
- Digital storytelling.
World (Creative Writing Program)
- Create word clouds by copying and pasting text or typing a word list.
Which One Doesn't Belong (Thinking Skills)
- 4 choices with no "correct" answer are used to encourage students to verbalize their rational and logical thinking.
Snapverter (App - Text supporter)
- Scans texts in pdf or other secure forms and turns them into a Google Doc. I haven't used this site yet, but it was recommended by an LRT.