Government & Non-profit Organizations:
* National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): While NAEYC itself is a paid membership organization, they offer free articles, blog posts, and webinars on their website covering various early childhood education topics. They also have free resources related to specific initiatives.
* PBS KIDS: Offers a wealth of free educational games, videos, and printable activities aligned with early learning standards.
* Sesame Street: Similar to PBS KIDS, Sesame Street provides free resources, games, and videos focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
* Education.com: While they have paid content, they offer a selection of free printable worksheets, activities, and lesson plans.
* Scholastic: Similar to Education.com; they have free resources mixed in with their paid offerings. Look for their free printable activity sheets and resources.
* Your State's Department of Education: Many state education departments provide free resources and curriculum guidelines specifically for preschool teachers. Check your state's website.
Other Websites & Platforms:
* Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT): While primarily a marketplace for paid resources, many teachers offer free resources on TpT. Search for "free" in the search bar.
* Pinterest: Pinterest can be a treasure trove of ideas and links to free resources. However, always critically evaluate the source and quality of materials found here.
* YouTube: Many educational channels offer free videos on preschool themes, from songs and stories to teaching strategies. Again, be selective and choose reputable channels.
* Blogs and Websites Focused on Early Childhood Education: Many individual educators and organizations maintain blogs and websites with free downloadable resources, lesson plans, and activity ideas. Search for "free preschool resources" or specific topics relevant to your needs.
Tips for Finding Free Online Resources:
* Be specific in your searches: Instead of searching for "preschool activities," try searching for "free preschool math activities for 3-year-olds" to get more targeted results.
* Check the source's credibility: Make sure the website or organization is reputable and provides accurate information.
* Look for resources aligned with early learning standards: Ensure the activities and lessons you find are developmentally appropriate and support children's learning in key areas.
* Organize your resources: Create a system for saving and organizing the free resources you find to make them easy to access when you need them.
Remember to always preview and review any resource before using it with your students to ensure it meets your curriculum standards and classroom needs.