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Putting the “T” in STEM! 60+ Resources for Teaching Children with Technology!

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All resources have a free version or trial for educators and many are registration and ad free so that students don’t have to give their private information.

“Yes, kids love technology, but they also love Legos, scented markers, handstands, books, and mud puddles. It’s all about balance.”

K.G., 1st Grade Teacher

One of the best things about teaching very young learners is that they are super excited to learn! They also love technology, but we must ensure that children learn early on balance and digital safety. When a child begins to use technology, especially technology connected to the Internet, they must also learn how to protect themselves and learn wellness. For the past 20 years, I have used technology to teach children all over the world! Currently, I am the Computer and Technology Teacher for over 450 elementary students at a STEM Charter School. I also have an energetic and enthusiastic 2 year-old daughter who loves technology, but enjoys playing and exploring more. Below I am sharing my tips and resources that I feel are especially enjoyable and safe for young learners (toddlers to 6th grade). For a quick view of my top tips download my slide presentation free, Teaching the “T” in STEM! Using Technology with Young Learners. All resources mentioned have a free version or trial for educators and many are registration and ad free so that students don’t have to give their private information. Remember to ask parent permission and have a Digital Use Policy signed by parents and students when integrating technology. 

Top Tools and Apps

  • Buncee to create digital stories, digital posters, and more! COPPA Compliant! Students enter codes given by the teacher. Find over 20 activities and examples here.
    My Story Book is an easy to use web tool for students to create digital story books,  no registration required and ad free.
  • Make Beliefs Comix is a website and app to create comics, no registration required.
    TinyTap is a wonderful iOS app for even preschool children to create their own games and quizzes.  You can click the website to play vocabulary games designed by others.
  • ZimmerTwins is a fun way to animate a movie, no registration required.
  • ABCYA animator to create a movie or gif, no registration required.
  • Sketch.io is to create a digital poster with gifs and paint tools, no registration required.
  • Voki is a website for creating talking avatars. The free version only provides limited options.
  • Bubbl.us is a website for creating colorful concept maps, no registration required.
  • Class Dojo and Seesaw are my favorite web tools and apps for communicating with parents and creating student digital portfolios.
  • Read, Write, Think has several interactives for children of various ages to learn to read and write.
  • Brain Pop has awesome videos, learning games, and other resources.
  • National Geographic for Kids is a great website to research countries and animals.
  • Common Sense has a digital citizenship curriculum for K-2 and 3rd-5th with videos, printables, and engaging activities.
  • GSUITE Edu tools and apps offer children and teachers so many awesome ways to create, design, and learn!
  • Edublogs is a safe way for students to create blogs. 

STEAM Tools and Apps

Literacy Websites

Slide Presentations

Challenge: Try any of these resources to engage your young learners with technology!  

cross posted at teacherrebootcamp.com

Shelly Terrell is a Technology and Computer teacher, education consultant, and author of books including Hacking Digital Learning Strategies: 10 Ways to Launch EdTech Missions in Your Classroom. Read more at teacherrebootcamp.com.

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STEM
Steam
apps