Sometimes, even the best readers, need a little extra practice. Over the years, I have found several sites that I love to use to help with extra skills practice. Also, it seems there are always new ones that I can find that I add to my list as well. This article will list several of my favorites, as well as some new ones that I liked, along with descriptions. I hope that you will give some of the sites a try and see if they can help. Strong readers can get stronger and struggling readers sometimes need a little step to help them. I hope that one or more of these sites will help you to help your children in one way or another.
My all-time favorites: These are sites that I have used for many years, beginning when I was an elementary school teacher in the public schools. The sites here have been around for a while and I have always been able to use them, not matter which grade I taught.
· http://www.starfall.com/
Starfall offers many learning games online that can help build and reinforce your children’s reading and decoding skills. They also have some printed journals and other products that may be of help.
· http://pbskids.org/lions/
I have always love the television show: “Between the Lions.” Their episodes always are so memorable and interesting, while teaching reading skills at the same time. Their site is another wonderful way to learn and practice reading skills and build your child’s interest in reading.
· http://www.internet4classrooms.com/lang_elem_index.htm
I found this site while working on my master’s degree. They not only have grade appropriate resources for reading, but also for all other subject areas as well. If you are learning s new software on your computer, they may even have an online tutorial to help you with that. An excellent online resource for the whole family.
Some newer sites that looked helpful: These are some sites that I have come across lately that looked very interesting and helpful. I hope that you will like them too.
· http://www.rhlschool.com/readingv1-3.htm
This is the link to their printable reading comprehension resources. They also have helpful activities in Math, Research, and Language areas.
· http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/
This is the link to Soft School’s Reading activities. Their activities are divided by grade levels, from Pre-K to Middle School, in a variety of subjects also. There are worksheets, flash cards and games there that can be of help to you and your children.
· http://gamequarium.com/
Their slogan is “The site that swims with learning fun!” That seems to me to be a pretty good description of what is there. There are a variety of activities there to help your preschoolers through 6th graders practice their basic skills, as well as having some fun learning. I will definitely be going back there often.
About the author: Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.
