Reading in the Content Areas
TeachersFirst offers this collection of web resources well suited to teach reading in the content areas, especially in science and social studies classes, but in almost ANY subject area. See "In the classroom" ideas and strategies for teaching reading across the curriculum and find texts to use on the computer, in print, or in interactive whiteboard/projector. Sometimes using web-based texts can be more engaging, and often these are more up-to-date. Practice with these resources is certain to help student mastery of informational texts.
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Rick Riordan - Teacher's Guides - Rick Riordan
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): authors (114), critical thinking (182), greek (45), myths and legends (44), reading comprehension (146), student-centered (9)
In the Classroom
Create a mythology-themed trivia game where students answer questions about Greek, Roman, Norse, or Egyptian myths featured in Riordan's books. Make an online quiz using Blooket, reviewed here or Wayground (formerly Quizizz), reviewed here. Have students design a demigod character, including a parent from mythology. They can write a short character profile, including strengths, weaknesses, and a unique quest. Transform the classroom into Camp Half-Blood for a day! Create stations where students complete challenges (ex, solving riddles, crafting "weapons," or navigating a "labyrinth"). Using the hero's journey structure (as seen in Percy Jackson), have students outline and write a short adventure story. Encourage them to incorporate mythological elements and share their stories with the class.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Teach Your Monster - The Usborne Foundation
Grades
K to 2tag(s): game based learning (311), literacy (124), phonics (53)
In the Classroom
Assign each student a notebook where they write down new words they encounter in the game. They could also make a digital notebook using WriteReader reviewed here. Create a small reading corner or station where partners can practice blending sounds and decoding words. Pair students and have them take turns reading words or sentences aloud that they learn through the game.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Groundhog Day Activities - Jennifer Findley
Grades
3 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): critical thinking (182), holidays (280), puzzles (167), reading comprehension (146), writing prompts (55)
In the Classroom
Have students write a story or journal entry from the perspective of the groundhog. Have your students use a tool such as WriteReader to create and record books reviewed here. Students can sort statements about Groundhog Day into fact or opinion categories. The class can predict whether the groundhog will see its shadow and discuss the implications. There are also math puzzles and a themed reading passage with questions to gauge understanding and encourage critical thinking skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A-Maze-ing Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Grades
K to 2tag(s): characterization (16), dr seuss (12), plot (14), read across america (9), setting (3), themes (16)
In the Classroom
After reading Green Eggs and Ham, students can play the game to reinforce key story elements like the characters, setting, and plot. Use the game as a group activity where students work together to navigate the maze. This encourages teamwork and helps develop problem-solving skills as students discuss strategies for overcoming obstacles and completing the maze. Teachers can extend the lesson by asking students to write or share what they would do if they were in Sam-I-Am's shoes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Wartburg Castle - Wartburg Foundation
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): architecture (83), europe (82), germany (25)
In the Classroom
For German language students, create a vocabulary scavenger hunt using the website's German version. Students can find keywords related to castle features and translate them into English. Challenge students to build a small model of Wartburg Castle using materials like clay, cardboard, or Lego. Assign students to choose another European castle and compare it to Wartburg. Students could use a digital comparison tool like Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research age, architectural style, historical events, and cultural influence. Have students analyze Wartburg Castle's architectural features, then design their own "modern" version of a castle, keeping some medieval elements.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Proven Techniques to Improve Reading and Writing - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This engaging interactive workshop will teach you how to leverage practical strategies and powerful free tools from Microsoft like Reading Coach, Edge/Word Online, and Forms to support your students' literacy development. Whether you're looking to boost reading comprehension, improve writing proficiency, or integrate technology seamlessly into your lessons, this workshop has something for everyone. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore strategies for using technology to enhance reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. 2. Discuss approaches for collaborative writing, feedback, and improving writing skills. 3. Develop strategies for creating assessments aligned with literacy standards to gain insights into student learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (87), professional development (321), reading comprehension (146), reading strategies (93), writing (308)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Literacy Chops - Literacy Geeks, Inc.
Grades
3 to 10tag(s): literacy (124), reading comprehension (146)
In the Classroom
Assign individualized reading passages to each student, followed by comprehension quizzes. Have students use their written assignments from Literacy Chops and engage in a peer review session. Introduce weekly writing prompts that align with the writing practice offered by Literacy Chops.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Once Upon a Picture - Sam Daunt
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (182), thinking skills (125), visual thinking (16), writing prompts (55)
In the Classroom
Incorporating Once Upon A Picture into classroom activities can amplify any lesson! Utilize Quizlet, reviewed here for vocabulary-building exercises. Teachers can create vocabulary sets based on themes or elements in the Once Upon A Picture images. Try Book Creator, reviewed here for digital storybook creation. Students can draw inspiration from Once Upon A Picture's visuals to craft engaging narratives combining text, images, audio, and video to share with the broader classroom community!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Reading Treks: Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 3tag(s): animals (278), continents (29), darwin (14), ecosystems (107), plants (142), preK (322)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many lesson ideas in the Teachers' Guide to bring this story to life and provide activities that correlate with the book's theme of adventure and exploration. Help students understand the timeline of Darwin's adventure using MyLens, reviewed here to create a timeline that includes the dates of his voyage created using AI or build a timeline as you read the book using ReadWriteThink's Timeline builder tool, reviewed here. Work together as a class to create an adventure story using Book Creator, reviewed here. Add student drawings, voice recordings, and maps to your digital book, then create a link on classroom computers for students to read over and over again!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Speechify - Speechify Inc.
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (321), listening (117), text to speech (23)
In the Classroom
Use Speechify as a helpful tool to increase reading comprehension, support English language learners, and help students with dyslexia and other special needs. Upload tests, worksheets, and other assessment documents to support students who have materials read to them. Share Speechify with parents and students for use at home. When sharing Speechify, consider making a short tutorial video using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here to demonstrate how to create a free account, where to find the dashboard, and how to upload and view reading materials.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Whodunnit? - Bringing a Little Mystery Into the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): book lists (161), mysteries (27)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the book suggestions and lists to find mystery books to include in your classroom library and as a designated mystery reading center. Integrate reading mystery books and stories with other content areas to discover mysteries waiting to be solved. Create mystery stories on any subject to share with students using one of the many artificial intelligence (AI) tools available to educators. ReadTheory Passage Generator, reviewed here generates reading passages for all grade levels based on your prompt. When teaching about the Civil War, try a prompt asking for text about the mysteries of the Civil War and select a grade level. After generating a story that "looks good," ReadTheory generates editable comprehension questions to accompany the text delivered to your email inbox.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Twinkl
Grades
K to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (66), creative writing (124), game based learning (311), interactive stories (22), writing (308), writing prompts (55)
In the Classroom
Engage students by introducing your Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen tasks with the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse official trailer at the bottom of the page. Discover activities for learners aged 5-16 years. Fuel your student's interest with these entertaining, curriculum-aligned, Spider-Man activities! Use one of the writing prompts for a creative warm-up activity. Play interactive games on computers as a part of daily station rotations. Free downloadable activities include occupational therapy, fine motor skills, writing prompts, reading comprehension passages, interactive games, and math activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator - Book Creator
Grades
K to 12tag(s): multimedia (63), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many ideas and suggestions shared in Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator to create books and learning opportunities for students in any language. Book Creator includes a built-in language translator for ten languages. If you need additional translation help, download and use Microsoft Translator for Education, reviewed here, or Google Language Tools, reviewed here to translate virtually any language. Provide additional language learning opportunities by asking students to create books in English and their native language and make them available by sharing them on your class website or Google Classroom. Encourage students to read their books in their native language and discuss their culture as they learn from each other.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How to Write a Visual Essay - Virginia Kearney
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): essays (18), persuasive writing (50)
In the Classroom
Visual essays are the perfect way to engage students. Share the ideas and examples found on this site to inspire students and introduce the concept of a visual essay. Ask students to use their own images or use images from a free site such as Unsplash, reviewed here. Use visual essays in any content area. For example, after reading a novel or story, ask students to create an essay using images and music to retell the story or to analyze a character. In science class, use a visual essay to tell the story of physics concepts or as a journey through different landforms in social studies. Have students create an essay to tell the story of a journey through a continent or during a historic event such as the Civil War. Google My Maps, reviewed here, is an excellent tool for creating interactive maps to include with visual essays. For final projects, Animoto, reviewed here, is a very easy-to-use video creation tool for creating and sharing students' visual essays.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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BeeLine Reader Collection - Reading is Fundamental
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): independent reading (83), multilingual (83), reading comprehension (146), reading strategies (93), Special Needs (46), Teacher Utilities (219)
In the Classroom
These BeeLine Reader PDFs are an excellent addition to the already valuable reading materials found at Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Central, reviewed here. Be sure to bookmark this site to find leveled reading passages with the enhanced function of BeeLine Reader. These PDFs are wonderful to share with ENL/ELL and Special Education specialists to use with their students. Remember, all teachers are reading teachers. Share this tool with your science, social studies, and math teachers, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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For the Teachers - For the Teachers
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): characterization (16), charts and graphs (181), constitution (104), differentiation (100), graphic organizers (58), inferencing (7), mean (18), measurement (125), median (16), mode (12), multiplication (133), patterns (78), place value (43), plot (14), reading comprehension (146), rubrics (38), sequencing (18)
In the Classroom
Be sure to bookmark this site to save as a favorite to find lesson ideas and activities throughout the school year. When planning for a substitute, look through the site to find useful ideas for lessons and planning organizers. There is so much material here to use, consider exploring the site with peers using techniques similar to a book study. Divide the site into sections to discuss at different times of your study. Organize your favorite materials from this site and your other resources using Padlet, reviewed here. Share your Padlet with peers to collaborate and create a useful time for organizing and sharing your favorite teaching materials. Supplement information included on report cards by using a site like Seesaw, reviewed here, to create portfolios for your students to demonstrate progress in reading, math, and other content areas. Include student-created projects based on activities found on For the Teachers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Graphic Organizer Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): graphic organizers (58), mind map (33), venn diagrams (13)
In the Classroom
Whether you call them concept maps, mind maps, KWLs, or graphic organizers, these visual diagrams show relationships between concepts and provide a powerful tool for learning and connecting new ideas. Use graphic organizers to help your visual learners build reading comprehension. Find something for all grade levels in this collection.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Book Creator - Red Jumper Limited
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): collaboration (117), DAT device agnostic tool (132), digital storytelling (167), ebooks (49), literacy (124), preK (322), reading comprehension (146), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Create books together, as a class, as you move through a unit or topic. Enhance student learning by adding images and ideas your students suggest. Use in a flipped classroom to deliver course information. Assign several student groups a different topic and redefine their learning by having each group create their own multimedia versions as they learn more about the topic. Students can combine their books later as a class book. Make a digital bookshelf of all the versions for all to use. Challenge gifted students to modify the "standard" class text with the additional material they discover, by going deeper and learning about related topics. In lower grades, create teacher-made e-books for your young readers, perhaps adding audio - your own voice reading the text. Find much more information and ideas for using Book Creator in any classroom by exploring the Book Creator Toolkit for Schools and Districts available here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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In the Swim eGuides - Make a Splash in the Classroom - In the Swim
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): chemicals (36), safety (63), sports (87), water (104)
In the Classroom
Follow these links for some supplemental materials to enliven lessons that could include water as a recreational resource. Science teachers will find real-world applications and information about chemicals. Use interactive boards to show videos and activities during whole-group lessons. Have students read articles for informational reading practice. Use the flipped or blended learning resources on your class website for individual or small-group work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TeachThought - Teachthought
Grades
1 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): blooms taxonomy (7), classroom management (136), critical thinking (182), flipped learning (9), professional development (321), reading strategies (93)
In the Classroom
Think beyond your everyday lessons to something that makes you a teacher that kids always remember. Interesting ideas challenge you to do what you want the most in your teaching, inspire and motivate. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow the latest articles. Use the resources for enrichment or information. Share with colleagues and the collaboration begins. Share at a professional development meeting for many relevant ideas.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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