Online Tools

• Kidblog - We used this site to create the class blog because of the administrative controls (such as the option for posts to be approved before they are visible and the ability to set up accounts for students without email accounts). Parents may set up an account to view their child's blog, as well.

• Portrait Illustration Maker - There are several free online digital tools available for creating an avatar. This one worked well for us.

• ABCya! Word Clouds for Kids - This is a great brainstorming tool for kids to generate ideas for stories. Kids really enjoy seeing their words in beautiful cloud arrangements.

• Make-A-Flake: Kids really enjoy getting creative with this snow flake maker by Barkley Interactive.

• Storybird: With this digital storytelling tool, a collection of artists’ illustrations inspires students to write their own story.

• GIMP - This is an open source image manipulation program (i.e. free photo editing and graphic design software). 

• Open Office - Productivity Suite (document, spreadsheet, drawing, and presentation tools VERY similar to MS Office, except it is open source and FREE)

• Make Beliefs Comix - Students can really get into storytelling with comics. 

• Online Logo Maker - Students can design a logo quickly and easily with this online tool.

• Creative Commons - Search for CC licensed works on this site.

Screen Savvy Kids does not endorse any specific software program or site. This document serves only as a reference document of resources used during SSK workshops in 2014.