If there’s one thing every teacher can agree on, it’s this: you can never have too many literacy resources. With that in mind, today I’m sharing some great grants, websites, and freebies related to all things literacy. Here you go!

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Read a book and do a good deed! At We Give Books, when your students read a free book online, they can also choose a literacy-related charity to receive a free book. Created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation, the site features books such as The Little Engine That Could, Animal Families, and The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The site has been live for just a few weeks, and already more than 3,000 books have been donated. Click here to check it out!

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Speaking of free books, your students have the chance to get a free book through the Barnes & Noble summer reading program. Students download a reading passport and read any eight books this summer. Then they turn in their passports and choose a free paperback from a list. Visit www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading to get the details!

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Have you heard of Read to Feed? The program from Heifer International pairs reading with raising funds to help families around the world living in hunger or poverty become self-reliant. For example, students who raise $20 can purchase a flock of chicks to be sent to a family; other gifts include honeybees, pigs, sheep, and cows. To learn more, visit www.heifereducation.org/readtofeed to request the free Read to Feed Student Kit.

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If your media center is facing a financial challenge, it’s time to investigate the Dollar General Back to School Literacy Grants. Valued at up to $5,000, these grants can be used to implement or expand current literacy programs, purchase new technology or equipment, or purchase books and other materials. The deadline to apply is May 21, 2010. Click here!

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Here’s something fun: Penguin Young Readers Group has released the first chapter in the new children’s series by bestselling author John Grisham. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer will be published on May 25, but you can get a free sneak peek by visiting www.theodoreboone.com. The book is for ages 8–12.

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With all these freebies, it only seems fitting for Learning magazine to get in on the act. Submit a comment in response to this post by midnight on Monday, May 10, and you’ll be entered into a random drawing to win the new Children’s Illustrated Encyclopedia from DK. This huge book isn’t even in stores yet, but I’ll send you my copy. It’s packed with pictures, facts, and links to kid-friendly sites. You’ll use this book again and again in your classroom!

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Happy Friday and happy reading!

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Teachers are some of the best planners around. Lesson plans for next week, field trip plans for next month, and even a plan for things to do differently next year—the list goes on and on! Here are a few fun items I’ve run across recently that will help you with planning of all types.

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Planning ways to keep students reading this summer? Join the Reading Road Trip from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers! Click here now to download reading postcards and learn about new titles, including the How to Train Your Dragon series, The Mysterious Benedict Society series, the Maximum Ride series, and more. Hop on board!

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Planning for your own professional development? Click here now to learn more about the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs available through Argosy University. Argosy offers flexible formats and personalized attention through an interactive online program and 19 campuses across the country. Argosy has a program to fit your plans. Learn more!

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Planning your school supply list? Request three FREE pairs of award-winning kids’ anti-microbial scissors from Westcott. Try them out; then, if you like them, include Westcott scissors on your school supply list. Visit www.themailbox.com/westcott to get your free scissors plus free activities and ready-to-use school supply lists. Don’t miss out!

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Planning how to do your planning? Promote school pride with custom-imprinted academic planners from Amsterdam Printing. Choose from a variety of styles, plus custom-imprinted pens, bags, totes, T-shirts, and much more!

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Here’s one more thing I’d like to recommend you include in your plans: plan to submit a comment to our blog by midnight on Friday, April 30, 2010. One lucky reader will be randomly selected to win a grab bag of teacher resources! (Update: Congratulations to Angela, who was our lucky winner! Keep reading for your chance to WIN!)

Enjoy!

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Did you know that this year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day? Teaching students about the environment is easier than ever with contests, freebies, and Earth-friendly resources like the ones featured here.  Post a comment on our blog to let us know which of these are your favorites.  If we receive your comment by midnight on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, you’ll be entered into a random drawing to win a collection of science-related resources. One lucky reader will win! (Update: congratulations to Linda, who won the collection of science materials. Thanks to all those who posted comments!)

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Challenge your students to make new inventions out of trash! The Design Squad, part of PBS Kids Go! is hosting the Trash to Treasure competition. Students’ inventions must be made from at least two repurposed items and must fit one of these categories: inventions that move things or people, inventions that protect the environment, or inventions that can be used for indoor or outdoor play. The contest is open to students ages 5-19. Entries will be accepted until September 5, 2010. Get all the details at PBSKIDSGO.org/designsquad/contest.

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Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are back! See the latest Smokey and Woodsy educational items—and learn how you can place your order—at www.symbols.gov. Use code 20252 for a 25% discount!

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Motivate students in grades two and up to learn about threatened species and habitats—and to raise money for conservation projects—through the National Audubon Society’s Pennies for the Planet program. Get a free kit, which includes a poster, educator’s guide, newsletter, and more. It’s all at www.penniesfortheplanet.org.

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More than 1,000 teachers have vowed to go paperless on Earth Day! Visit http://teachpaperless.blogspot.com to find out how you can take the paperless classroom pledge. Click here!

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Even your colored pencils can be Earth friendly! Max Colored EcoPencils from Faber-Castell are made from reforested wood and feature extra-thick lead for fewer broken pencil points. Faber-Castell products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council; the wood comes from renewable and sustainable sources. Find out more at www.fabercastell.com.

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With resources like these, going green will be easier than ever this year! Enjoy!

PS: Want to continue your focus on the earth and its creatures? Mark your calendar: the second annual Save the Frogs Day is coming up on April 30. Hop on over to www.savethefrogs.com/day to learn more.

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Ah, spring. It’s filled with fresh beginnings and new possibilities. Perhaps the change in the weather is what got me thinking about free resources to help you and your students make a difference, both in your own lives and in the lives of others. Scroll down to learn more. You’ll be glad you did!

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SmileTrain’s mission is to provide free surgery to children around the world born with clefts. Click here now to request a free DVD of the 2008 Academy Award-winning documentary Smile Pinki and learn more about organizing a fundraiser for SmileTrain.

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Cancer affects many children, whether a grandparent, parent, friend, or the child himself is fighting the disease. Learn about age-appropriate ways to discuss cancer at LIVESTRONG.org/school. You’ll find free resources for children of all ages, plus ideas for ways students can get involved in the fight against cancer. Click here now!

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Do you have a great idea that would have a positive impact in your community? Each month the Pepsi Refresh Project funds those ideas. Selected through online voting, winners receive grants from $5,000 to $250,000. The next idea funded could be yours! To learn more, visit www.refresheverything.com.

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To continue the theme of making a difference, I’ll be posting some wonderful Earth Day resources and freebies next week. Keep reading!

PS: There’s still time to win a box of free books from our some of our favorite publishers. Add your comment to last week’s blog post by midnight on Monday, April 12, to be entered in our random drawing. Click here now. Good luck!

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At this time of year, your students may be thinking of chocolate bunnies and candy-filled eggs. But they’re not the only ones who deserve special treats: our surprise for you is a whole list of reading- and writing-related freebies. After all, you’re “some-bunny” who is “eggs-tra” special!

Plus, if you post a comment on our blog before midnight on Monday, April 12, you’ll be eligible for a random drawing to win another treat—a free box of assorted books from our favorite publishers. Just for fun, if you’re our winner and your post includes a springtime pun, I’ll include five extra books. Post your comment today; this prize is “eggs-actly” what you’ve been waiting for!

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When Martha speaks, kids listen! Visit www.marthathetalkingdog.com for free downloadable word games and activities, coloring sheets, and much more. It’s all based on the popular Martha Speaks show on PBS. Click here now!

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Get dozens of free writing activities from Treetop Publishing, creator of the fun and affordable Bare Books. Plus check out the many types of ready-to-use Bare Books—themed books, comic books, books with and without lines. You’ll also find blank gameboards, puzzles, and more. Students’ creativity—and their pride in their work—will soar! (Here’s an extra tip: Shipping to schools is always free!)

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This month, celebrate National Poetry Month with Shel Silverstein. Visit www.shelsilverstein.com to download an all-new event kit, curriculum guide, classroom activities, and more. It’s all free! Click here now to get started.

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Students ages 5-12 are invited to enter the Paws for Poetry contest, sponsored by MeetMeAtTheCorner.org and Flashlight Press. Each entrant writes a poem to his or her favorite animal friend and submits it with a photo of the animal. Poems may be any length and style. Get all of the details at PawsforPoetry.org. Hurry, the contest deadline is April 15, 2010.

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Don’t forget to post your comment on our blog—and have your friends and colleagues do the same. Good luck!

PS: Are you ready for Drop Everything and Read Day? This annual event is coming up on Monday, April 12. Visit www.dropeverythingandread.com for ideas, free planning tools, and more!

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