The Internet provides Kindergarten teachers with a wealth of resources. There are numerous sites that can help the novice as well as veterans in the classroom. Many of these sites are designed and maintained by teachers who share a wide variety of educational resources. The most helpful sites are those with links to free, printable materials for learning centers and suggestions for implementation in the classroom. Teachers learn best from other teachers. Websites with teaching ideas, classroom management techniques, and message boards help educators become part of an online learning community that benefits teachers and students.

Teacher Helps
Like most educators, kindergarten teachers are busy with a multitude of duties. They need sites with organizational ideas, forms, and checklists for classroom management. Kelly's Kindergarten.com is an excellent online resource. It contains reading strategies, directions and materials for center activities, and templates for newsletters and calendars. Kelly's web page has just about everything a Kindergarten teacher needs to improve their classroom and help their students.

Themes
Most kindergarten instruction is based on thematic units taught weekly or monthly. These themes include topics like pets, seasons, community helpers, and transportation. Teachers use learning centers based on these themes to incorporate math, reading, writing, and art. Because the themes change frequently, teachers need easy-to-access ideas, materials and scheduling suggestions. Many sites are designed with thematic instruction in mind. Mrs. Herbic.com is a teacher site with a link to monthly themes from August to May with over thirty units. For each theme, Herbic shares center activities, book ideas and classroom pictures. Most kindergarten themes are covered on this site.

Online Learning
Kindergarten teachers can also utilize the Internet as an educational resource. There are many sites with free games that kids can play at school or home. Most of these games are easy for children to navigate, and they can be used by kids alone or with a partner. Teachers can play games with children that are struggling with specific skills. Starfall.com is a premier site for educators. It contains games and activities to cover all beginning reading skills. It has colorful graphics, songs and sound affects which keep kids focused on the skill.

Internet 4 Classrooms is another valuable site for teachers. Online games are categorized by skill and subject area which makes it easier for teachers to access. All major subjects are covered with an emphasis on reading and math. This site has many phonics and number games that provide plenty of practice and reinforcement in these crucial skills.