Web Resources

A list of useful websites, resources and web tools with potential for use in class (I know most websites have these types of lists but these are links I use a lot – I’m not just filling space)

Websites

• Primary Resources – one of the oldest and best resources websites for primary school teachers
• Primary School – Australian-based resources site for primary school teachers. Organised into KLA/Age
• Powerpoint Palooza – an American website focussed on Powerpoint teaching resources
• Scootle - the new home of The Le@rning Federation’s Learning Objects – a HUGE collection of resources organised by topic
• Ambleside CofE Primary School – An amazing school in the UK with an amazing website – search their resources – it’s worth it!
• Easiteach – we use Easiteach on our IWBs. This site contains a comprehensive list of teacher-created resources.
• Interactive Whiteboard Resources - well, do you really need an explanation?

Web Resources and Tools

• Edmodo – amazing microblogging website designed for educators and students
• Etherpad – create collaborative documents online in real-time
• Wordle – awesome graphic word cloud generator – my post
• Visuword – an amazing visual dictionary and thesaurus
• Soungle – extensive database of free-to-download sound effects. A format similar to Google
• Ziptales – superb literacy web program. A regular feature at my school
• SpellingCity – an excellent online spelling program – FREE – teachers can create lists for students or the kids can input their own words. A rather dodgy voice and different handwriting style the only drawbacks – students can learn / play games / test. We use this daily.
• SmartKiddies – an excellent numeracy program with games, linked lessons, tutorials, tests and competitions. Haven’t checked if it’s available outside Australia. We have a class group with individual logons. Another daily program.

Software

• Pivot Stick Figure – free simple animation program
• Google SketchUp – 3D model creator free from Google.
• Google Earth – I hope everyone has made use of this at some point, the possibilities are endless – make sure you check out StreetView
• CrazyTalk - ’the face puppet animation studio’ –  create talking on-screen character (free-trial)

Extras

• Avatars - we’ve all done the Simpsons thing (and it’s great) here are links to my three favourite avatar creators 

           Mii                   The Simpsons                  Southpark                       Manga