Parents and Teachers - Blackstone Library

Online Resources for Parents and Teachers.

In addition to our parent and teacher resource shelf and our extensive collection of books, media and literacy materials we have put together a series of links that we found helpful for those that are looking for activities, resources and tips that encourage not only literacy but also life long learning. Please review, enjoy and know that you can stop by the Youth Services Department at any time to learn more about our parent and teacher resources.

Bedtime Math – The mission of this organization is to help kids love numbers so that they can handle math in real life. The site promotes setting a small amount of time to talk about and make math fun with daily problems for all levels of learning. All the problems, answers and fun are there for the taking.

Branford Public Schools – Branford Public School Districts webpage.

Child Care in Connecticut – A listing of all licensed daycare facilities and preschools throughout the state.

Common Core Guides – The National PTA has created simple, clear and printable common core guidelines for caregivers by grade and subject. Activities to support learning at home are included.

Common Core Sample Test Questions – The Partnership of Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers has created a series of math and literacy test questions for children in 3rd thru high school in hope of giving children, parents and teachers an idea of how these new test assessments will be displayed.

Common Sense Media – The leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.

Colorin Colorado – A free web-based service that provides information, activities and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners.

Connecticut Homeschooling Network – CT Homeschool Network (CHN) is Connecticut’s largest statewide support & information homeschool organization that serves to inform, empower, and build community among home educators in the state of Connecticut.

Connecticut Parent Magazine – A Connecticut publication for all things family; full of events, articles, travel ideas and directories.

Cyber Safety – An interactive guide to staying safe on the internet.

Funology – The perfect boredom cure toolbox! Great for caregivers looking for crafts, games, educational activities and recipes.

Great Websites for Kids – A website clearing house on a variety of topics that are appropriate for kids. The site is easy to navigate by category as well as new additions and top used sites. An excellent research resource.

Kids Health – Health information for parents, kids and teens.

Little Parachutes – A unique and simple way to search for picture books that address situations and issues that young children experience.

PBS Teachers – Chalk full of lesson plans, activities and curriculum guides for K – 12 students with help from their most loved shows.

Reading Rockets – A national multimedia project that offers a wealth of research-based reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Perfect for parents and teachers.

Rustle the Leaf – Is an online resource that uses comics, videos and entertaining characters to educate and inspire learns about the challenges facing our environment. Here you will find e-cards to share with others, activities to do as a family as well as environmental lesson plans.

Tough Topics: Inspired Conversations for K thru 2 – Recommendations provided by ALSC
Tough Topics: Inspired Conversations for 3 thru 5 – Recommendations provided by ALSC
The books on these lists are to help inspire conversations with children going through challenging situations like the death of a loved one, an unexpected move, natural disasters and more.