Informational Text Resources

As one of the primary sources of EdTech/Instructional Tech at my school, I have been trying to connect my Tech Talks each month to the teacher's curriculum as well as continue to focus of technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.   I don't want them walking away from a 45 minute gathering thinking it was a total waste of time.  I want what I am sharing to be useful to my staff.

We have been focusing on the Common Core, as most everyone has, and we all know the emphasis it places on informational text.  This focus coupled with an article I read on ASCD led me to create a simple compilation of news sites or sites with a strong non-fiction focus for my teachers.  All of the websites I compiled are created for a younger audience.

Students are still overwhelmingly selecting fiction text; maybe due to the fantasy elements, the characters or the storyline/plot, but information text can be just as exciting.  We need to figure out a way to make the real world intriguing to kids and I think we can if we allow them to read about what interests them.

I have created two resources that can be used in the classroom, via iPad or computer.  Both include the same set of resources.

The first tool I used to house the sites was Thinglink.



Here I tried to note the appropriate age group each site was geared toward. All sites can be visited by students and content can be read; however, you can create accounts for students on a few and they will then be allowed to comment on articles.

The second tool I used to house the sites was FlipBoard. (you will need to install the app on your device(s))

This is a fantastic tool that allows you to curate your own magazine.  How cool would it be to allow  your students to curate their own magazine filled with information that interests them!

I hope that you find these sites useful and begin to integrate the real world/current events into your classroom.

Enjoy!