Favorite Software/Websites

Teaching is not always an easy job. A lot of extra time and preparation goes into everyday activities. Teachers have to make sure lesson plans are well prepared, papers are finished being graded, and even bulletin boards are being decorated within the classroom. There are many different websites available for teachers to get new ideas for lesson plans, ideas on how to decorate a variety of bulletin boards or even just to gain more knowledge on the material they are going to be teaching. I have my favorite software as well as a couple of different websites I go to for any extra help and knowledge I can get. Below you will see a list of the different software as well as websites. Feel free to click on any and look around.

Favorite Software

Inspiration

Inspiration is a wonderful tool for teachers as well as students to get involved with using. It allows you to make concept bubble maps to organize your ideas. I can remember when I was in English class brainstorming ideas on paper and pencil and in this case Inspiration makes the map for you. Once you have all your information down on paper you can choose to put in into outline format which makes it much easier to print out or you can keep it in the bubbles for later viewing. You can also choose to add pictures which is a great way to enhance your memory of what you have written down. Inspiration is a great way to get organized and I highly recommend it for anyone who hasn't tried it.

KidPix

KidPix is a tool for young children to begin using their fine motor skills when it comes to technology. This particular software allows the children to create different pictures as well as turn them into slide shows. KidPix also has audio features to help the young children better understand what they are doing. It is important at first to help the children become familiar with the software, but once they start learning all the different skills they will be on their way and having a fun time while learning.

School Tycoon

This software is more well known to children around the country. There are many different kinds of tycoon such as school, zoo, monopoly, and lemonade. This different software is really enjoyable for the students. I personally like school tycoon the best. The player begins by buildling a school the way they want. Everything is in their control from the classrooms to the administration. It is the player's responsibility to hire the teachers and make sure to keep the school appealing to all the students. There are three different levels of the game which all include different scenarios that the player has to try and accomplish. This game is fun for the students to involved with because it gives them a chance to run the school how they have always wanted it to be ran.

Favorite Websites

National Geographic for Kids

This particular website is great for children to play around on in their free time. There is a variety of games, videos, activities, and stories for them to learn all about the different animals. This is a website made for kids to expand their knowledge without even really knowing they are learning. The children will be so infatuated with all the different pictures they won't even realize that they are expanding their knowledge at the same time. This particular website is not only for the children to do but even the whole family can learn together too.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Scholastic Kids

Students are introduced to many differnt features on this particular website. The section I enjoy is known as the Homework Hub. This is an area for students to really focus on what they could do to improve in school. There are tips and tools on how to get a good grade on the next test or quiz in class. Also there are different options for them to start a research project early and even practice their skills with different quizzes available to them online. Scholastic Kids is a great website for students to try and get ahead in their schooling and learning.
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/

Kids Astronomy

When you first get on this site there are different areas to choose from. They are labeled clearly for you to choose. If you hit on the one that says Solar System, it takes you to a big picture of the planets that you are than able to pick from and learn more about that particular planet. The next available link takes you to learn more about Deep Space. This is a very neat tool for students to be able to learn more about black holes, stars, and galaxies. Space Exploration allows you to learn about all the different ways to explore space through a telescope, space shuttle, or even a future space craft. Civilian Space Travel allows you to learn about different people from all over the world who have traveled through space. Lastly, you are able to learn about how big our universe really is. You are also able to see pictures that allow you to pretend like you were seeing someone from outer space. This is a very interesting website that students are sure to enjoy.
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/

Time for Kids

I really enjoy this site because it gives the students a chance to feel as if they are growing up and able to do something like adults. Many adults enjoy reading the magazine Time and this particular website gives the children a chance to read different articles about other kids and also has a place for them to play different games. It also has an area for them to get homework help if needed. This website is a great way for students to keep up and learn different stories from around the world. There is also a page for parents and teachers to enjoy. The teachers page has different lesson ideas as well as different stories to share with your students depending on what they are learning at that time. The parents page is a way for them to see what exactly their children are reading and be aware of something they wouldn't want their children to see. This is a wonderful website not only for children to enjoy but adults too.
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/index.html

Brainpop and BrainpopJr.

These are great educational websites for students as well as teachers to engage in. Brainpop allows you to search for different subjects as well as watch movies to learn more about them. After the movies are complete there is a quiz you can take to check your understanding of the material. You can take the quiz over again to make sure you get all the questions correct. Brainpop Jr. is still under some construction however what is up so far is a perfect tool for youngsters to start learning different material for their future schooling. These two websites allow people to write in if they have different questions and maybe your name will even show up on one of the movies. Some of the material is free but for others you may have to sign up for an account in order to see the movies. These two websites are a great tool for extra help with subjects in school.
www.brainpop.com
www.brainpopjr.com