With the advent of the internet, there are more free resources for teachers easily accessible than ever before. No matter what grade or subject level you teach, lesson plans and other materials that are downloadable and shareable abound. Read on to learn more about some of the best places for teachers to download free classroom resources.
Teachers Network
The nonprofit Teachers Network is one of the most comprehensive online resources for new and seasoned teachers alike. Lesson plans and full curriculum units are searchable by both subject and grade level. In addition to these resources, you can access videos about teaching, access how-to articles on everything from how to fill out report cards to tips for parent teacher conferences, and more.
Education World
This online magazine for teachers hosts a variety of lesson plans, including categories for five-minute lesson plans, holiday plans, worksheets, teacher-submitted lessons, lessons of the day, and learning games. Beyond the lesson plans, you can also access technology specific resources as well as advice from real teachers and administrators.
Scholastic
Among the many resources for teachers hosted at Scholastic is the Book Wizard, an awesome tool that allows you to download curriculum for any of the books you are teaching. The site also has thousands of lesson plans, unit plans, discussion guides, and extension activities that are easily searchable by keyword, as well as teaching ideas for every month of the year.
Smithsonian Education
The revered museum institution also has educational resources for teachers. The lesson plans on the Smithsonian’s site are divided into the areas of art and design, science and technology, history and culture, and language arts. You can also match up the lesson plans to national, state, and common core standards of learning, making classroom planning a snap.
Discovery Education
The Discovery Education site has lesson plans and worksheets, as well as science fair ideas and tutorials, for all grade levels spanning the gamut from science and math to English and social studies. Cool free interactive technology tools and puzzles for your students are also available for download.
Crayola.com
Whether you’re an art teacher or just want to bring some creativity into your day to day lessons, look no further than Crayola. The site hosts lesson plans and craft projects in a variety of subject areas that are sure to brighten your students’ days and get them excited about learning. In addition to the hands-on resources, you can read articles about ways to enhance your students’ learning experience.
Library of Congress
This free government resource is the place to go for millions of primary sources to supplement your lesson plans, from photos and videos to documents and other books.
Seeking inspiration for your classroom, keeping lessons current and relavant to today’s world, and sharing resources with peers makes you a great teacher. If you’re looking to punch up your daily lessons and make learning fun and exciting for you and your students alike, these free resources for teachers are a great place to start.
