TOP PICKS | 18 TOOLS

Top Tools for Inspiring Integrity

Integrity is taking responsibility for your actions, acting in an honest and sincere manner, and respecting the beliefs and principles of others. Students who develop these skills in the classroom will be able to carry them over to life outside the school walls. Browse the tools below that get students thinking about ethical decisions, standing up against bullying, taking responsibility for their schoolwork, and reflecting inward.

Interested in seeing tips on how you might use some of these tools in the classroom? Check out our blog series We All Teach SEL: Inspiring Activities for Every Classroom.

Top Picks

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Four little corners

Simple story about shapes showcases problem-solving and inclusion

Bottom line: This cute little story could be a nice launching pad for big discussions about friendship, tolerance, and acceptance.

Grades: Pre-K–1 Price: Paid $2.99

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STOPit

Easy-to-use reporting tool helps kids report bullying, find adult help

Bottom line: With the right context and a strong school culture, this can be a useful and effective tool for monitoring and combating bullying.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free, Paid The app for students is free, but schools and districts must pay a subscription fee to use the program on campus.

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Peekapak

Complete SEL units in a neat and tidy package

Bottom line: Detailed social and emotional learning lessons provide teachers with almost everything they'll need to spark positive character development and reflection in their students.

Grades: Pre-K–5 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid Free for a basic account. An individual Teacher Pro plan includes the entire curriculum for $149 per year for up to 20 students ($299 per year if adding the game). For schools, the curriculum price is $7.50 per student ($15 per student if adding the game and analytics).

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7 Mindsets

Thought-provoking structured program simplifies SEL skills

Bottom line: If teachers take advantage of the extension activities, students can get great in-depth instruction and practice in SEL skills needed for life.

Grades: K–12 Price: Paid A single-use (one-classroom/one-school counselor) license is $1,000 per year. It offers the full curriculum, professional development, the parent zone, an educator support community, an implementation guide, and tech support.

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Remind

Teachers' text reminders keep students -- and parents -- up to speed

Bottom line: Well-designed, highly effective messaging tool has the potential to keep students and families connected with their schools.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free, Paid Remind is free, but if you use it to fundraise for events, they charge a fee of $0.50 per transaction. School and district plans are also available.

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Mightifier

Compact process for positive praise builds classroom community

Bottom line: Great for a quick bonding activity when led by a positive instructor.

Grades: 1–8 Price: Free to try, Paid After a free trial, there's a fee per student; contact for pricing.

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Who Am I? Race Awareness Game

Q&A game gets students talking about diversity honestly, responsibly

Bottom line: Kids learn to ask questions and have open conversations about diversity.

Grades: 1–12 Price: Free

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The Wonderment

Ambitious global community aims for public good through student engagement

Bottom line: A powerful, improving social network for exploring the world and effecting positive change.

Grades: 1–12 Price: Free

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I Love Potatoes

Adorable social innovation app spurs discussion, collective action

Bottom line: This free app, when used with the extension materials, will help students understand their role in the environment and the economy, and empower them to make change for the better.

Grades: 2–8 Price: Free

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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.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Paid School-wide subscription pricing starts at $2.50 per student, based on population.

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Frontiers for Young Minds

Kids and scientists collaborate to create high-quality articles

Bottom line: A well-designed site that keeps kids in mind without sacrificing educational integrity.

Grades: 4–10 Price: Free The site is free to use but requires teacher registration and email verification.

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Middle School Confidential 1: Be Confident in Who You Are

Appealing graphic novel teaches relatable tween lessons

Bottom line: A compelling read for tweens and teens looking for guidance and understanding of common social situations.

Grades: 5–8 Price: Paid $2.99

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Facing History and Ourselves

A wealth of resources explore racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism

Bottom line: These valuable materials empower students to understand and address difficult ethical choices -- past and present.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

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Todoist

Calendar meets to-do list in versatile multi-platform organization app

Bottom line: Mastering all of the features will take some time, but it's a dynamic app that promotes both individual and team productivity.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid The free version includes up to 80 active projects. There's a 30-day free trial for paid plans, which are $4 to $5 per month (based on annual subscription). Month-to-month plans are $5 to $6 per month. Teachers and students are eligible for a 70% discount.

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Checkology Virtual Classroom

Go-to news literacy site is an excellent primer on media issues

Bottom line: With "fake news" a pressing concern, Checkology's literacy lessons offer essential, if not totally comprehensive, skills to help students evaluate sources.

Grades: 7–12 Price: Free It's free for the 2020-2021 school year.

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