10 TOOLS

10 Best Social Studies Tools for Elementary School

As young kids grow and their world expands, they're increasingly curious about what's around them and what happened before they got here. This collection of elementary school-level social studies tools will get kids digging into history and exploring places near and far, all while learning about different societies and cultures, and how they fit into the big picture. There are also a few tools on this list that  can help kids expand their present horizons. There are news sites that'll help them process current events, as well as pen pal platforms for communicating and collaborating with other kids across the globe.

TeachingBooks.net

Comprehensive site collects resources on authors and books in one place

Bottom Line: This rich database of literary resources is a must-bookmark for teachers looking to extend learning experiences with books and their authors.

Grades: Pre-K–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Time for Kids

Pro news zine balances kid-friendly content with teacher supports

Bottom Line: This is an excellent, cross-curricular news source that'll keep kids current and build their thinking skills.

Grades: K–6
Price:
Paid

Google Earth

Dazzling globe-trotting tool has endless classroom applications

Bottom Line: This tool defines engagement and offers a completely open-ended experience perfect for use across the educational spectrum.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

Learning for Justice

Thought-provoking classroom resources support diversity education

Bottom Line: It's an invaluable teacher tool to help reduce prejudice and encourage tolerance in schools, as well as within society as a whole.

Grades: K–12
Price:
Free

MetKids

Whimsical, kid-friendly intro to the wide world of art

Bottom Line: A wonderful, endlessly detailed way to get kids engaged in the world of art.

Grades: 1–6
Price:
Free

Empatico

Connect with classrooms around the world using built-in activities

Bottom Line: Teachers will find almost everything they need to create the opportunity for meaningful exchanges with students from faraway places.

Grades: 1–8
Price:
Free

Newsela

Great stories, just-right leveled reading; now mostly by subscription

Bottom Line: While pricey, Newsela has ascended into an all-in-one destination for leveled, non-fiction reading.

Grades: 2–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Belouga

Impressive cross-curricular platform establishes global connections

Bottom Line: Versatile video-based curriculum inspires reflection and action.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free to try

PenPal Schools

Give students global perspective with pen pal projects in any subject

Bottom Line: This is a thoughtful, ready-to-go platform that facilitates authentic and safe cross-cultural collaboration.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

Smithsonian Learning Lab

Discover, create, remix, and share first-rate museum artifacts

Bottom Line: This thoughtfully crafted, open-ended curation and creation tool has a place in most classrooms.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

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