The Best Free Resources Every Teacher Should Know About
- Jodi Rabitoy
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest—teachers deserve free stuff. Whether it’s a fresh stack of sticky notes, a new bulletin board border, or a resource that saves you hours of prep time, free tools can make a big difference. With so many websites and platforms out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the best free teaching resources that I’ve actually used (and loved).
These sites are classroom-tested, teacher-approved, and won’t cost you a cent.
1. Teachers Pay Teachers Freebies
Yes, TPT has plenty of paid resources, but did you know there’s an entire section of freebies? From worksheets to games, you’ll find activities for just about every grade level and subject. Perfect for last-minute sub plans or a quick skill review.
2. ReadWorks
If you teach reading, this site is a goldmine. ReadWorks offers thousands of free passages with comprehension questions, leveled by grade. You can search by topic, Lexile level, or genre. I love using it for small groups and intervention.
3. Epic! Digital Library
Epic! is an incredible collection of digital books for kids. While the full version is subscription-based, teachers can access it free during the school day. It’s a lifesaver when you want students engaged in independent reading on Chromebooks or tablets.
4. Khan Academy
This one’s a classic. Khan Academy covers everything from math to science to history, with short videos and interactive practice. It’s especially helpful for reinforcing skills and giving students extra support at their own pace.
5. PBS LearningMedia
PBS offers free videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities across grade levels. The content ties beautifully into science, social studies, and even ELA. Bonus: students recognize the PBS name, which makes them more excited to use it.
6. Classroom Screen
Need a simple classroom management tool? Classroom Screen gives you a free, customizable screen with a timer, noise level monitor, random name picker, and more. It’s one of those hidden gems that helps keep your class running smoothly.
Why These Free Resources Matter
We all know teaching can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to plan lessons that are both engaging and standards-based. Free resources like these don’t just save money—they save sanity. They give you back the time and energy you can put into connecting with your students instead of searching the internet for the “perfect” activity.
Free Resource from Ask the Teacher
Since we’re talking about freebies, I don’t want you to miss this: I’ve created a free English Language Arts Bell-Ringer that helps students get their day started with a positive and creative kick-off. I call it Daily Spark and I update it daily, providing a visual for you to share directly with students (or save and add to your daily slides). It’s perfect for grades 3–5 and can be found here. Each day you'll find a post with a kid-friendly joke, an inspiring quote (great for morning meeting discussions), an amazing fact, and a short writing prompt. Use this free resource as a part of your daily morning routine!
Final Thought:
There are so many amazing free tools out there, but the best ones are the ones that make your teaching life easier and your students’ learning more meaningful. Bookmark this post, share it with your teacher friends, and most importantly—give yourself permission to use these freebies guilt-free. You deserve it!
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