Newsela - A Powerful Common Core Literacy Tool

My school's media specialist recently showed me Newsela and I was awestruck. This website helps students develop close reading and critical thinking skills by offering current event articles with varying levels of text complexity. Lexile levels of an article range from 2nd grade up to 12th grade which allows for differentiation within the same classroom. The articles are categorized by war/peace, science, kids, money, law, health and arts. Many of the articles are accompanied by quizzes that provide quick feedback. Newsela is currently in beta and is free for all teachers. I think you will find Newsela to be a valuable resource for your students.

Memrise - Learn Something New Everyday for Free

Memrise is an education website that will help you learn languages, history, science, math, geography, arts, and literature. Their methods are scientifically based and their lessons are interactive and fun. Teachers will be able to use Memrise to help reinforce curriculum and parents will love Memrise because they can use it  at home to help their child review and to support their learning. Memrise also allows members to create their own courses. The site offers such a wide variety of courses and lessons and it is free to join. Anyone who values learning will find Memrise to be a handy educational support tool.

List 25 - Lists that are educational and entertaining

The web is full of websites that post "best of lists" but I haven't discovered anything quite like List 25. This site gathers lesser known facts on many topics and generates fun and interesting lists. The site has a search bar and a categories drop down menu with many educational topics like geography, history, science, arts and literature. Readers are allowed to submit their own lists which are reviewed and if your list is posted you are rewarded with recognition. Sorry, no cash. With list titles like "the 25 craziest political promises" and "the 25 most awkward family photos" it is clear that List 25 is entertaining and educational.