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Looking for some amusing yet purposeful computer time for your child this summer? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of educational, teacher-recommended, Internet-safe Web sites that can lead to hours of worthwhile entertainment for children of all ages.
PBS Kids provides preschoolers and beginning readers with educational games that involve their favorite characters such as Caillou, the gang from Sesame Street, Curious George, Clifford and more. Make sure to click on PBS Kids Island for an amusement park full of fun! www.pbskids.org
Noggin invites children to join Moose A. Moose and his best friend Zee for some early learning fun with Pinky Dinky Doo, Toot and Puddle, Dora, Franklin and others. Children will learn important developmental skills while practicing simple computer techniques. www.noggin.com
Teachers and Families is a resource that provides a multitude of features, links and reviews for activities, games, Web sites, special topics and more related to education and families. This user-friendly site is organized based on age and topic. There is also a recommended Summer Reading List. Check out the TogetheREAD link for details on how to build strong readers! www.teachersandfamilies.com
Fun 4 the Brain offers a large variety of simple and amusing games for topics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, science and English. Kids choose their appropriate ability level for each game.
www.Fun4theBrain.com
Starfall is a wonderful beginning reader Web site that begins with the alphabet and moves through all stages of beginning reading. The stories are entertaining and activities focus on fundamental reading skills.
www.starfall.com
StoryStarters is a Scholastic Web site that generates the beginning of a story while allowing the “author” to create the middle and ending. The author chooses the format of the story, for example a postcard or newspaper article, and can print their masterpiece at the end to receive a surprise. Great for brushing up on writing skills.
www.teacher.scholastic.com/activities/storystarters
National Geographic Maps takes children on adventures to explore pyramids, find sunken treasures, go on a family adventure, explore Mars and guide tourists through Adventure Island. Great map skills practice. www.mywonderfulworld.org/toolsforadventure/games
Funbrain was created for children in grades kindergarten through eight. The site houses an abundance of cool games for all subject areas and an arcade just for fun. If your child has wanted to learn the newest puzzle craze, Sudoku, this Web site is just the right place. Don’t miss the all-time favorite Mad Libs section. www.funbrain.com
SpellingCity is a terrific site for children to practice their spelling and vocabulary words. Simply type in the spelling words for your child or have them type in their own. They can choose to practice them or take a test. You can easily obtain practice words from the dictionary, summer reading requirements or even old spelling tests for reinforcement.
www.spellingcity.com
Savings Quest was created by Wachovia Securities as a way for children to begin to understand the concept of saving money. Kids choose a long-term goal purchase, such as a wide-screen television, laptop or vacation. They also choose a career and create a budget that consists of rent, groceries and utilities and more. A fun way to teach appreciation for hard earned money. www.mysavingsquest.com
Nasa Kids’ Club invites children to explore space through games, pictures and stories according to their ability levels. Kids take the controls just like they were the captains of their own space shuttles.
www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
Cool Math 4 Kids is filled with awesome math games for every skill area. Each skill comes with a tutorial, practice and cool games. Check out the Lemonade Stand and the Coffee Shop games. For pre-algebra kids ages 13 and up, check out the sister Web site, Cool Math.
www.coolmath4kids.com
Kids a Cookin’ is a great site that teaches kitchen safety and cooking techniques and offers nutrition information as well as simple recipes for kids to get acclimated with the kitchen. www.kidsacookin.org
San Diego Zoo web cams are always an interesting way to observe panda bears, apes, polar bears and elephants in their habitats. Looking for more? Try the web cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Sea World. www.sandiegozoo.org/videos/index.html
Count On provides hours of entertainment for kids who love puzzles and mind-bending games. Try to escape from the Pentagonal Room, break some espionage codes or practice converting digital time to analog time. www.counton.org
Weekly Reader is a great way for kids to keep up with current events, play games and enter cool contests. www.weeklyreader.com
As always, be sure to check Web sites for suitable content and safety prior to allowing your child to play on the Web. Don’t forget to set a computer time limit for your child prior to him/her working on the computer. Be careful – you may enjoy these sites as much your children will!
Alicia K. Shaffer is a freelance writer and mom of a preschooler.
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