TOP PICKS | 17 TOOLS
Writing, Journaling, and Blogging Websites for Students
Top Picks
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Night Zookeeper
Impressive, subscription-based writing resource with individual feedback
Bottom line: This platform will inspire young writers but does require a generous budget.

Twiducate
Safe social network for classroom communication somewhat limited
Bottom line: Twiducate has a few limitations, but the site provides a secure system for teachers and students to share work and communicate.

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, especially for less confident students.

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.

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.

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.

Evernote
Organize digital content with full-featured web clipper and notebook
Bottom line: Students and teachers can learn to better manage their digital lives via this comprehensive organizational tool.

KQED Learn
Civic discussion site encourages media literacy and deep thinking
Bottom line: This platform features excellent videos students will enjoy discussing, but teachers will need to prep students to make quality contributions.

Penzu
Journaling site motivates student writers, has strong teacher tools
Bottom line: Penzu provides awesome teacher tools for managing writing assignments, while making it easy for kids to create and submit their work.

Postach.io
Seamlessly turn Evernote notes into blog posts with paid service
Bottom line: A solid, simple tool for turning notes in Evernote into polished-looking blog posts.

Bulb
Slick portfolio tool has cool features, limited feedback options
Bottom line: A neat tool for publishing online, possibly better suited to teacher content creation than student publishing.

Underlined
Major publisher's writing platform has some potential
Bottom line: If the community ever takes shape, this could be a good publishing platform, but there are better, less commercial options.

Youth Voices
Vibrant online community hosts authentic student writing
Bottom line: Supported student writing, collaboration, and communication make this a healthy space for kids to express themselves.

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.

Smart classroom tool if used with care; priceless for PLNs
Bottom line: Twitter offers something for everyone: information, resources, and an easy way to connect with just about anyone.

WordPress.com
Solid blogging tool and content management system offers DIY blogs
Bottom line: This is a great tool to get kids blogging and creating online content.