Young learners, especially, can benefit from direct interaction with foundational skills such as reading, math, and creative, artistic concepts. Multimedia computer games can provide an interactive experience for children. The following educational websites provide engaging games and activities which help learners establish a solid foundation of basic skills in a fun, enjoyable way.
Children's learning and action styles influence how readily they learn from various situations from sit-down listening to hands-on activities. Several models attempt to define learning styles, or multiple intelligences, thinking styles, or cognitive styles. In general, people tend to learn most easily and successfully through one of the following manners.
- Watching a visual presentation of information
- Listening to an auditory presentation of information
- Reading information and writing notes
- Touching and doing
Using knowledge of a child's learning style allows an educator to provide information in the most suitable form, i.e., video, print, audio, interactive, etc. Online learning can incorporate several media to reach a wider audience.
Action styles refer to a person's instinctive way of approaching activities. In the article, How to Be Wildly Successful (O Magazine, 2006), Martha Beck introduced instinctive styles of action that fall into the general categories: Quick Start, Fact Finder, Implementer, and Follow-Thru. Ms. Beck explained that schools were created mainly by Follow-Thru types, which can cause trouble for children who do things differently.
Online Reading Games
Books serve as only one of many types of reading material. Children who do not appear drawn to books might prefer other print media such as comics, magazines, or they may develop an interest in reading via on-screen television, video games, or educational websites. The following learn to read websites can help reluctant readers develop literacy.
- Starfall
- PBS Kids, including PBS Island, Between the Lions, and Reading Rainbow
- More learn to read websites
Online Math Games
Math games can bring problem-solving to life by presenting simulations of how math skills integrate with real life experience.
Online Coloring, Painting, and Art Games
Online art games offer simple to sophisticated tools for children to use to develop their computer, software, and creative art skills. Games range from painting and coloring to photo editing, fashion design, and home decor.
- Kids Art Zone, including Brushter, PhotoOp, and Faces and Places
- Kea Coloring Book
- More painting and art online games and websites
In addition to the many free offerings, subscription member websites such as JumpStart, BrainPOP, KidzClix, Aha! Math and Science, Time 4 Learning, Discovery Education Streaming, and many more, offer further engaging learning activities for children who prefer an interactive learning method or could benefit from educational enrichment.
You might also enjoy: The Online Homeschool Collection
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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