5 Supplemental Resources for Difficult Subjects

For students who need clarification on tricky concepts, these resources come in handy.

From complex math equations to delicate literary metaphors, certain classroom concepts require additional aid to help students fully grasp them. Here are five resources that can help.

Reading Comprehension: Circle Round

Best for: Pre-kindergarten to 5th grade

Not only do teachers get access to a gentle storytime podcast for children — as told by professional actors — but the carefully selected tales range in cultural origin, always include a positive message, and come with free coloring pages.

Math: WebMath

Best for: All grade levels

The interactive site covers math problems from addition and subtraction to trigonometry and calculus. It offers real-time questions and answers, tips for how to arrive at a solution, and even clarification for everyday math concepts, such as determining sale prices or tip percentages.

History and Storytelling: StoryCorps Education

Best for: Middle and high school

This oral-history-project-slash-podcast has recorded the stories of thousands of people. In addition to free lesson plans for teachers, StoryCorps Education also includes classroom writing prompts and discussion topics based on its stories, plus the ability for students to record their own stories.

Science: National Science Teaching Association

Best for: All grade levels 

This organization’s website archives hundreds of free resources for science teachers — from an activity-based conservation program developed in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to a NASA Kids Club.

Writing: Grammar Girl

Best for: High school

Hitting on traditional grammar rules as well as more modern examples of grammar specific to social media and pop culture, this podcast and website make the technical nuances of grammar approachable and fun.