GanttLasater363
This is the second in a series of articles that we are writing about free educational websites. Starfall can be a website that also provides educational fun through games, videos, crafts and storytelling while teaching basic computer skills. This website is exceptional at teaching and developing reading comprehension and phonics skills. Even though it is designed for first grade, Starfall is a good website for Pre-K through second grade. Starfall.com is placed in sections for four stages of reading development, games and activities areas. It features:
o ABCs - Within this section, there is an alphabet chart that kids can click on each letter to learn the sound it makes and to hear it used in a word. There is also a row of vowels that, when clicked, teach kids the vowels and short and long vowel sounds. A sign language section teaches kids to sign the ABCs.
o Learn how to Read - On this section, there are fun animated music videos teaching the letters from the alphabets and sounds that every one makes. Stories such as the following the music videos repeatedly use words containing the letters. The approach to teaching pronunciation is very creative. The "chunk that word" video is actually cute and fun as it teaches how to break words up and pronounce each chunk so that you can learn to pronounce the complete word.
o Star Fall - It's Fun to Read - This section uses Art, Magic, Music, Poetry, Tongue twisters and riddles to exhibit how fun it really is to read. There is even an action that lets the kid create a story about his or her self.
o I'm Reading - This section has plays, comics, as well as other types of stories to incorporate folk tales, fiction, nonfiction, Greek myths and Chinese fables to your child's enjoyment.
o Games and Activities include creating a calendar, holiday activities, word hunt, look for a clover and earth day recycling games. Additionally, there are more opportunities for creating stories.
o It has an online store for purchasing educational materials.
o Starfall printed material and online printouts are available in the download area.
o Numerous pages throughout the site have recommendations for parent or teacher use of the materials on the page.
o Stargazer - Kindergarten curriculum is a new offering of Starfall. This can be a Kindergarten reading and language arts program available for purchase.
