I just switched profiles to continue this very helpful discussion!  Sounds good I’m interested in finding more free as well! 

Unfortunately the ones I did always use kiddle, kidrex are finding the same challenges you have found. 

Barb’s suggestion of explora through Research it CT is helpful, do they need to use library card numbers to access?

This would be good to add to a CASL Padlet I’ll get one started. 


On Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 9:16 AM Pia Ledina via CASL-L <casl-l@mylist.net> wrote:
Yes, I love both of these resources and am planning a trial of News-O-Matic right now!  I am more interested to know if there's anything out there free on the web that you use (rather than a subscription research tool)... 

:) pia






On Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM Barbara Johnson <bajohnson@colchesterct.org> wrote:
I would second the use of Pebblego and next.

I would also say to check out News-o-matic, they were at AASL and are a strong competitor with NewsELA, for less money 

Remember, Explora available through the CT State Library, www.researchitct.org

And worldbook online is also an adorable item ...

Barb

Barbara Johnson
Instructional Technology Coordinator
Colchester Public Schools




On Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 8:44 AM Allison Loiseau <librarianallie@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Pia,
I steer my 3-5 students to PebbleGo Next.  If you are using Google Classroom, another alternative is to use their LM Notebook feature to create materials from links you curate.  That way, they will get the information in a digestible, ad-free form.  I tend to have it make mind maps and video overviews.  Have a nice week!
Allison Loiseau

On Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 7:55 AM Pia Ledina via CASL-L <casl-l@mylist.net> wrote:
Good morning!

My school district is currently using Kiddle and Kidtopia for elementary school searching and is looking for feedback on more robust options that bring back solid resource results yet aren't cluttered with ads... thought this was the perfect time for a group question!

Any gems out there that you'd like to share?  I'd appreciate your reasoning as well... thank you!

:) pia




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--
Allison Loiseau
Library Media Specialist 
Mitchell Elementary School
Woodbury, CT
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