10 TOOLS

10 Best ELA Tools for Elementary Schoolers

Building a strong foundation in reading, writing, and other ELA topics will provide students with the communication skills they'll need in all other subject areas. These elementary school-focused apps and websites offer engaging, well-designed experiences that appeal to younger kids' playful sensibilities and rich curiosity. There are reading tools that'll help students see the wonder and joy of books, writing and creation tools that unlock student imaginations, and proven instructional and assessment resources for teachers.

ReadWriteThink

Free hub for literacy lessons aims to deepen learning, engagement

Bottom Line: This is a trustworthy site that teachers of all grades/subjects could find a way to use weekly for lessons or professional development.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

BrainPOP Jr.

Original videos and activities a treasure trove for teachers and students

Bottom Line: A unique, video-driven learning platform with tons of topics and resources.

Grades: K–3
Price:
Paid

Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos

Free, expansive digital library unlocks treasure trove of books

Bottom Line: This large collection of books and videos on a wide variety of topics is an easy -- and free -- enhancement to any classroom library.

Grades: K–5
Price:
Free, Free to try

Flocabulary

Delightful hip-hop-based site connects literacy to every content area

Bottom Line: This site's content is savvy enough to keep students focused, and teachers will love the flexible options for deepening learning.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free to try

ReadWorks

Differentiate reading instruction with high-quality texts and lessons

Bottom Line: The quality and scope of texts, lesson plans, assessments, and supports on this platform can help facilitate online or offline targeted reading instruction in nearly any home or classroom.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

News-O-Matic

Daily news stories and supplements keep elementary schoolers current

Bottom Line: This highly useful current events platform can be a daily fixture of elementary school classrooms.

Grades: K–8
Price:
Free to try, Paid

Pixton

Popular comics platform centers students' creativity

Bottom Line: Platform can motivate students to share subject knowledge in a way that blends art and literacy.

Grades: 2–12
Price:
Free to try

StoriumEdu

Collaborative writing game inspires purposeful storytelling

Bottom Line: With some planning and customization, this unique card game can motivate thoughtful and sustained creative writing in your classroom.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free to try

ThinkCERCA

Structured literacy program inspires deep analysis, thoughtful writing

Bottom Line: This is an expertly scaffolded and pedagogically sound resource for developing critical reading and writing skills.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Paid

StudySync

Superb ELA resource features engaging activities, stellar support

Bottom Line: An exceptional, ever-growing resource for helping your students become close readers, careful writers, and critical thinkers.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free to try

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  • Digital Tools for School Libraries and Media Centers