My library web page always has a “Website of the Week”, something I’m encouraging the kids to try that they may never have heard of before. The site is usually tied to a curricular theme, and is often academic in nature. In the past year, however, I find that the post popular sites are not those that help them with their work, but rather the sites that are fun. (I guess this shouldn’t have been a surprise.) The following sites are the biggest hits on my web page; thought other students might like them as well.
- Mr. Picasso Head: Create art work online in the style of Picasso
- Make a Flake: Students in all grades love folding paper and cutting to reveal beautiful snowflakes – paper cutting without the mess.
- Seussville: A great arcade of Seuss related games in the playground.
- Notebook Babies: Funny animation about classroom behavior by Tony Dusko
- Wild West Phonics from BBC: Funny cartoon graphics that make kids forget they’re actually learning phonics
As far as authors go, the pages of Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl are the biggest hits.
These websites encourage creativity, and the generation of original products. Students are excited to use them, and are proud of their creations. I’ll keep adding links, and let our ultimate judges, the students, pick the best. After all, who knows better than the experts?
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