TOP PICKS | 25 TOOLS
Middle School Writing Apps and Websites
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Writing Platforms and Creation Tools
Pages
Writing and publishing tool is an increasingly satisfying option
Bottom line: With useful new book creation features, Pages is a much-improved publishing tool for Apple-oriented classrooms.
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.
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Wildly engaging contest turns students into novelists in 30 days
Bottom line: A thoughtful adaptation of the famous and fun grown-up novel writing contest, NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is brimming with advice and encouragement as well as classroom support.
NoodleTools
Expansive research tool uniquely melds learning and productivity
Bottom line: While the complex, old-school design isn't ideal, NoodleTools gives students specific assistance where they need it the most -- with citations, paraphrasing, elaboration, and organization.
Notability
Flexible note-taking tool empowers learners of all abilities
Bottom line: An excellent tool that lets students make their notes thorough and useful in the way that best suits their learning styles and abilities.
Writing Instruction for the Classroom
Quill
Let students do the writing to make grammar lessons more meaningful
Bottom line: This tool offers excellent opportunities for grammar and writing practice, well-tailored to students' abilities and needs.
826 Digital
Popular after-school program shares its resources with teachers
Bottom line: This is a worth-bookmarking resource thanks to relatable writing lessons and motivating examples of actual student writing.
Writable
Stellar program scaffolds the writing process with peer review and feedback
Bottom line: This is an intelligently structured tool for teaching writing and review that focuses on process as much as product.
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.
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.
Grammarly
Helpful tips support the writing process, build confidence
Bottom line: A flexible tool that -- with teacher guidance -- students can use for both quick fixes and more in-depth writing improvement.
Kaizena
Nifty add-on enables audio and text feedback in Google Docs
Bottom line: If your classroom relies a lot on Google Docs, this might just be the feedback tool you're looking for.
Online Networks and Social Platforms for Writing
Storybird
Social storytelling site helps kids create, publish storybooks
Bottom line: A great fit for teachers looking to develop students' writing and digital citizenship skills through storybook creation.
BoomWriter
Collaborative writing platform has the potential to motivate
Bottom line: There's creativity possibility in this tool's unique brand of collaborative and competitive writing, but teachers should take care to keep things positive.
Edublogs
Encourage student expression and maintain digital portfolios with easy-to-use blog creator
Bottom line: Edublogs is a fantastic platform for any teacher committed to providing consistent opportunities for creation and reflection.
Weebly
Easy-to-use website design tool lets teachers monitor kids' creations
Bottom line: Teacher-monitored sites and drag-and-drop elements make attractive website design safe and accessible for students.
Youth Voices
Aging online community hosts authentic student writing
Bottom line: With some patience and understanding, this could be a good space for supporting healthy student expression.
Teen Ink
Get kids writing, publishing, critiquing in this valuable network
Bottom line: Teens will find a wealth of information and many opportunities to further interest in writing and the creative arts.
Write the World
Global community helps young writers write, revise, think, and grow
Bottom line: With interest-based writing prompts and thoughtful feedback from peers and pros, this is a great tool for writing for authentic audiences.
Textadventures.co.uk
Play or design text adventures, but creation can get technical
Bottom line: Text adventures can be a blast to play and make, but the Quest game-making tool, while offering some decent support, can be tough to use effectively without coding experience.
Other Helpful and Engaging Resources for Writing
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.
Read&Write
Useful text-to-speech extension unlocks the written word
Bottom line: This handy set of accessibility tools helps students get the access they need when they need it, promoting independence and building confidence.
Turnitin
Encourage original work and give feedback with this valuable tool
Bottom line: Beyond the convenience factor, it's almost a necessity for the teaching of writing in today's digital world.
ZoteroBib
Fewer clicks and less clutter equal a new go-to site for citing sources
Bottom line: An intuitive site that takes the stress out of citing sources, but students will still need instruction to tweak auto-generated citations.
KQED Education
Excellent multimedia learning hub supports both teachers and students
Bottom line: For those willing to dig around, the site is an exceptional place for both educators and students to find inspirational digital media resources.