Options for Reference

Simple English Wikipedia
  • Easy-to-read online encyclopedia
  • Articles use fewer (easier) words, shorter sentences, and easier grammar
  • Many articles are simplified versions of articles from the 'ordinary' English Wikipedia 
Simple English Wiktionary
  • Online dictionary with definitions that are easy to read and understand
  • Entries provide audio files for pronunciation
  • User may request definitions 
Kids Wordsmyth
  • searchable topical dictionary for children
  • entries organized by topic and key word
  • provides pronunciation, definition and sometimes an illustration
  • formatted as a book that can be browsed
  • ​available as apps for iOS and Android
60 Second Recap 
  • high quality resource for secondary literature
  • extensive library of accessible and engaging study guides
  • includes short videos to introduce plot, characters, themes, motifs
  • 60 Second Recap Youtube Channel
HippoCampus
  • learning material and homework support for secondary subjects (eg. algebra, biology, calculus, physics)
  • material engagingly presented in multiple digital formats (eg. text, audio, animation) 
shmoop
  • Learning guides for multiple subjects
  • Mission: "To make learning and writing more fun and relevant for students in the digital age
  • Guides prepared by educators
sparknotes
  • Study guides for multiple subjects (ad supported)
  • Extensive support for literature, including video summaries and some "translations" into contemporary language 
  • see Youtube channel for 24 literature summaries
CliffsNotes
  • Study guides for multiple subjects
  • Extensive collection of literature guides may be most helpful: author information, plot overview, chapter summaries with analysis, character analysis, critical essays, etc.
  • Audio summary available for each literary work
  • Site is ad supported 
  • Free iPad/iPone app available for literary guides ($1.99/title) 
The Visual Dictionary
  • Find visual images for search terms, along with supporting text
  • Enter term, or use images (organized by cagtegory) to facilitate search
  • Search categories limited to: plants; animals; human body; music; transport; clothing 
  • English, French, Spanish 
Visual Dictionary Online
  • Visual dictionary, organized around 15 themes, with logical sub-categories
  • Uses images to facilitate search 
  • Over 6000 labeled images
  • Site is ad supported 
Maths Dictionary for Kids
  • Animated and interactive dictionary for over 600 common math terms
  • Definitions, examples, activities, practice, calculators
  • Text definitions presented in simple language
  • Over 250 printable charts/posters for interactive whiteboards, classroom displays, etc.
DOGOnews
  • Free quality news articles for kids, focused on current events in science, social studies, sports, entertainment, etc.
  • New articles added daily
  • Paid premium account offers audio for each article and classroom management tools
Wonderopolis
  • Informational site that helps kids ask and answer interesting questions about the world
  • Questions are about science, history, social studies, etc.
  • New question asked and answered each day
  • Information presented in text, image and video formats
  • Microsoft Immersive Reader provides the "Listen" feature
  • Multiple classroom supports  
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