Fun Learning Websites Kids Can Play with Little or No Help (Reading, Math and more)
Fun learning websites for kids can actually be quite a challenge to find. If you search online for kids learning websites, you'll get a lot of results but not very many engaging, interactive websites that will hold a child’s attention for long. I've put together a list of websites that are both educational and fun. Some are free and some aren’t. I chose only learning websites that most kids would want to play by themselves.
Learning websites can be very effective because they incorporate fun games into the learning process. Your child can play math games, phonics games, reading games and science games. They are learning without knowing it. They can also be very useful to homeschoolers.
The following is a list of some very good learning websites with pricing information for the websites that charge. Pricing information may change, so you should check the pricing on the websites before signing up.
Online Foreign Language Learning for Kids
Powerspeak offers multiple online foreign language learning courses for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Spanish, French (including AP French), German, Latin, and Chinese are the foreign languages offered.
These language courses were designed specifically for kids. They teach using stories and activities and focus on reading and listening skills.
Online Reading, Phonics and Grammar Learning Websites
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is a learning to read website. It teaches phonics and sight words using games, songs and activities. You can view a demo on the Reading Eggs website and try a 14 day free trial. A 6 month subscription costs $49.95 and a 12 month subscription costs $65.00.
Starfall.com
Starfall.com is a free learning to read website. It teaches phonics and reading using fun activities, games and interactive online books. Starfall is by far the best and most entertaining introduction to phonics that I have seen. You can use it with kids that are just learning to read or with kids who are already reading independently. Starfall.com is a free website.
KS1 Bitesize Literacy
KS1 Bitesize Literacy has spelling, phonics and grammar games provided for free by the BBC. Concepts covered include alphabetical order, rhyming, synonyms and punctuation. Literacy worksheets are also provided. US users should keep in mind that spelling and pronunciation may differ.
Online Math Learning Websites
Dreambox.com has online math learning games and activities for k-3 kids. The Dreambox math curriculum is aligned to Common Core State Standards. You can view a demo and sign up for a free trial. Dreambox.com charges 12.95 for 1 child per month or $59.95 for 6 months.
KS1 Bitesize Math
KS1 Bitesize Math has several math games provided for free by the BBC. Concepts covered include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, and telling time. Math worksheets are also provided.
Websites That Cover Several Subjects
Gudli.com is a free website that has many reading, math and science games. It also teaches many different concepts. The games are fun to play for kids. Free registration is required for some games.
Pbskids.org and Scholastic provide educational games that cover many different subjects and skills. Both are free.
ABCMouse.com covers several topics and skills, such as "reading, math, beginning science, geography, art & colors and music." Part of the website is free and part is paid. The paid portion is $7.95 a month or $79 a year. This is a fun, colorful and very educational website. However, it does require the ability to drag things with a mouse. This can be difficult for preschoolers to do alone.
Softschools.com covers preschool, elementary and middleschool math, handwriting, language arts, phonics, science and social studies (geography, biography, history, ancient civilizations and US government). The website has a mixture of games, worksheets, practice and quizzes.
