Resources

Resources for the Modern Classroom: My Top Picks for New Teachers

Welcome to my curated collection of teaching resources! Throughout my induction experience, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to explore and implement innovative strategies and web-based tools. It’s truly inspiring to see how technology can transform the learning experience, and I’m excited to share some of the resources that have become indispensable in my classroom. My goal is to contribute to our profession by highlighting tools that foster effective use of technology, strong pedagogy, and engaging content.

As a 4/5 combo teacher, I believe these three resources are absolute must-haves for anyone starting their journey. They’re not just tools; they’re game-changers that have helped me connect with students, differentiate instruction, and make learning genuinely exciting. I’m thrilled to continue using them and know they’ll contribute to the success of other new teachers and their students.


1. We Will Write: Igniting the Spark for Writing

What it is: We Will Write is an innovative online platform designed to make writing a social, engaging, and even competitive experience. It focuses on short, focused writing bursts, peer feedback, and gamification to encourage students to write more confidently and creatively. It allows teachers to create or customize writing challenges and provides tools for anonymous team competition and whole-class analysis.

Why I love it and how I use it: In my 4/5 classroom, encouraging consistent and confident writing can sometimes be a challenge. We Will Write has been a revelation! I use it as a low-stakes, high-engagement way to kickstart writing activities or to practice specific writing skills.

For example, when we were studying how to use descriptive language in our narrative writing, I used a “We Will Write” challenge where students had to describe a mysterious setting using vivid sensory details within a short time limit. The anonymous team competition aspect truly motivated them, and seeing their peers’ responses (anonymously, of course!) sparked new ideas and pushed their creativity. The ability to collectively review and discuss the strongest team pieces, with the platform even highlighting literary devices, provided invaluable formative assessment and peer learning. It’s helped some of my more reluctant writers find their voice in a safe and playful environment, and I’ve seen a noticeable increase in their willingness to put ideas on paper. It’s a fantastic tool for building writing fluency and confidence without the pressure of a formal assignment every time.

Citation: We Will Write. (n.d.). WeWillWrite. Retrieved from https://wewillwrite.com/


2. Blooket: Game-Based Learning that Students Beg For

What it is: Blooket is a highly engaging, game-based learning platform that transforms traditional quizzes and review sessions into exciting competitive games. Teachers can create their own question sets or choose from a vast library of pre-made ones, then select from a variety of unique game modes that offer different twists on gameplay, often incorporating elements of chance and strategy alongside academic questions.

Why I love it and how I use it: Blooket has become my go-to for reviewing content, practicing skills, and even as a fun formative assessment. Unlike other quiz games, Blooket’s diverse game modes keep students incredibly engaged. In my class, I’ve used Blooket for everything from vocabulary review to math fact practice.

For instance, after a unit on the 13 Colonies, I used the Cryptohack Blooket mode. This game challenges students to answer questions to gain “cryptocoins,” which they then use to “hack” into other players’ accounts, stealing their coins. It’s a thrilling blend of knowledge and strategy, as students must decide when to answer questions, when to hack, and when to defend their own earnings. This added a layer of strategic thinking and lighthearted competition that kept everyone on their toes. For a more direct review, “Tower Defense” works wonders, where correct answers help students build towers to protect their base. My students literally cheer when I announce we’re playing Blooket, and it provides instant feedback on their understanding in a way that feels more like play than work. It’s an incredibly effective tool for reinforcing concepts and building retention through active recall.

Citation: Blooket. (n.d.). Blooket – Fun, Free, Educational Games for Everyone. Retrieved from https://www.blooket.com/


3. Edpuzzle: Making Videos Actively Engaging

What it is: Edpuzzle is a versatile platform that allows teachers to transform any video (from YouTube, Khan Academy, or even their own uploads) into an interactive video lesson. You can embed multiple-choice or open-ended questions, add audio notes, or even narrate over parts of the video. It tracks student progress, showing you who watched, what they answered, and where they struggled.

Why I love it and how I use it: In a world saturated with videos, Edpuzzle ensures that my students are actively learning, not passively watching. I use it to differentiate content, flip my classroom, and provide targeted instruction. In my 4/5 combo class, it’s invaluable.

For instance, when introducing a complex topic like subtracting fractions with borrowing, I’ll often find a high-quality instructional video. With Edpuzzle, I can embed questions at key points to check for understanding, ensuring students grasp each step before moving on. I also frequently add audio notes to clarify difficult vocabulary or provide additional context. This is particularly beneficial for my students who need extra processing time, as they can pause, re-watch, and answer questions at their own pace. For absent students, it’s a lifesaver, allowing them to access the lesson with built-in accountability. The data Edpuzzle provides helps me quickly identify common misconceptions and tailor my follow-up instruction.

Citation: Edpuzzle. (n.d.). Edpuzzle. Retrieved from https://edpuzzle.com/