Websites to Use with Your SMART Board in a Special Education Classroom

In today’s special education classrooms, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing learning experiences. A SMART Board, with its interactive capabilities, is an especially powerful tool for engaging students of all abilities. When paired with the right websites, it can transform lessons hands-on activities tailored to each student’s unique needs. Below are some of my favorite websites to use with your SMART Board to support diverse learners in a special education setting.

1. Starfall (www.starfall.com)

Starfall is my favorite educational website that focuses on reading, phonics, and early literacy. With colorful visuals, clear audio instructions, and interactive elements, it is perfect for young learners or those with cognitive delays. Starfall’s games and activities are designed to teach foundational skills in a fun, accessible way.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Engage students in letter recognition games by letting them physically interact with letters on the board.
• Play phonics games as a whole group, where students can take turns identifying sounds and matching them to words.

2. ABCya (www.abcya.com)

ABCya offers a wide variety of games for students from Pre-K to 6th grade. The site features activities across subjects such as math, reading, typing, and logic. The games are simple to navigate and often include built-in audio instructions, making them ideal for students who need additional support.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Use the drag-and-drop features for sorting and matching activities in math or language games.
• Encourage students to practice fine motor skills by tracing letters or numbers directly on the SMART Board.

Learn more about how to use ABCya in the special ed classroom here.

3. National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic.com)

For students who are curious about animals, nature, and geography, National Geographic Kids offers interactive videos, games, and quizzes. The visuals are vibrant and engaging, making it a great tool for special education classrooms with students who learn best through exploration and imagery.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Explore interactive maps or habitats where students can touch the board to learn about different parts of the world.
• Watch short, visually stimulating videos and pause for interactive discussion or hands-on activities.
• View the magazines on the smart board.

4. PBS Kids (pbskids.org)

PBS Kids is home to numerous educational games based on popular children’s TV shows like “Sesame Street” and “Arthur.” Many of the games are designed to teach social skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive development, which can be particularly beneficial for students with developmental delays or autism.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Engage students in social-emotional learning games, where they can practice empathy, turn-taking, and understanding emotions.
• Use cause-and-effect games to improve cognitive skills, with students taking turns activating different parts of the screen.

5. GoNoodle (www.gonoodle.com)

GoNoodle is an interactive movement and mindfulness website. It features short, energetic videos that encourage students to move, dance, and practice calming exercises. This is an excellent tool for incorporating sensory breaks into the school day, especially for students with ADHD or sensory processing challenges.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Play movement videos where students can follow along with exercises right in front of the board.
• Use mindfulness exercises or breathing activities to help students self-regulate and focus during transitions.

6. Monarch Reader (monarchreader.org)

Formally Tar Heel Reader, Monarch Reader provides a collection of free, accessible books that are simple in text and accompanied by images. The books are customizable, allowing teachers to create or modify content based on student needs. This website is particularly useful for students with reading difficulties or who need visually supported text.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Read interactive books as a group, with students tapping words or images on the SMART Board to follow along.
• Create personalized books for students to explore topics of interest, encouraging them to engage with reading material in a meaningful way.

7. Sheppard Software (www.sheppardsoftware.com)

Sheppard Software provides hundreds of free, educational games covering a wide range of subjects including math, science, and geography. The website is colorful and highly interactive, making it accessible to students with various learning abilities.

How to use with SMART Board:

• Encourage students to practice math skills by solving problems directly on the board.
• Use the geography games to help students explore and interact with maps in a fun, educational setting.

Incorporating interactive websites with a SMART Board allows students in a special education classroom to engage with content in ways that are hands-on and tailored to their unique learning styles. By using the websites above, you can create lessons that are both educational and enjoyable, helping students develop skills at their own pace while actively participating in their learning journey.

What are your favorite websites to use with a SMART Board in the classroom? Share them in the comments below!