TOP PICKS | 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.

Top Picks

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ReadWriteThink

Excellent free resource for all things reading and writing

Bottom line: A language arts teacher's dream; lesson plans, professional development, and all-around quality support.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free

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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

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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 to try

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Flocabulary

Delightful hip-hop-based platform teaches vocab across content areas

Bottom line: Flocabulary has the goods: It's savvy enough to keep students focused, and teachers will love the platform’s allowance for flexibility and creativity.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free to try

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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

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News-O-Matic EDU

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: 2–6 Price: Free to try

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Pixton

Popular comics platform puts students' focus on creation

Bottom line: This is a platform with the potential to motivate students, getting them to share subject knowledge in a way that blends art and literacy.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Paid

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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

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ThinkCERCA

Well-structured lessons encourage deep analysis, thoughtful writing

Bottom line: This is a ready-to-go, research-backed resource that focuses intently on CCSS-aligned and AP-level critical reading and writing skills.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free, Paid

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