In today’s classroom, a challenge I always seem to face year after year is providing my students with the resources they need to become independent, organized, and responsible learners. This is just as important as delivering content. One way I have found to help my students be successful is by using start.me. There is a free option that is a user-friendly platform that enables teachers to create personalized startup pages, digital toolboxes, and dashboards—making it easy to centralize resources and empower students to take charge of their own learning.
What is start.me?
start.me is an online bookmarking and dashboard tool that lets users organize websites, articles, lesson plans, and digital resources on customizable pages. I use this as a central hub so all teaching materials, references, learning platforms, and learning tools will be accessible from any device. For students, it’s a launchpad for learning, helping them find what they need when they need it. Anything from digital math tools to copies of math lessons and notes to an encyclopedia or dictionary.
How start.me Fosters Student Independence, Organization, and Responsibility
Centralized Access = Independence:
I found that providing my students with a single dashboard containing all their learning apps and resources, start.me encourages them to find information on their own—reducing reliance on constant teacher reminders.
Personalized Tool Boxes = Organization:
I am able to create subject- or project-specific pages, so students always know where to look for math tools, reading materials, or homework help. This structure helps students develop organizational skills that are essential for academic success.
Resource Management = Responsibility:
I find that when students are taught to use their digital toolbox to check assignments, deadlines, and resources, they learn to manage their own learning. This builds responsibility and prepares them for future academic and real-world challenges.
Easy Updates = Up-to-Date Learning:
It is easy to quickly update dashboards with new links or materials, ensuring students always have access to the latest resources—teaching them to adapt and stay current.
Collaboration and Sharing:
I also find this helps students when working from home. These dashboards can be shared with students, parents, or colleagues, supporting teamwork and communication.
Final Thoughts
start.me isn’t just a tool for teachers—it’s a platform that helps students become more independent, organized, and responsible learners. By centralizing resources and teaching students how to manage their own digital toolbox, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and foster essential life skills in your classroom.
Lisa Mashburn, K-8 Classroom Teacher, Lakeland School District 272
15 years in education, a degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a master’s degree from Northcentral University