Learning Games

 

Now that the Internet has become part of the school curriculum, there are many sites dedicated to online elearning games for kids.  These sites contain fun and interesting games, are safe sites for kids and appropriate for school.  Below is a list of some of the top learning games sites for elementary school. The games are organized into four subjects: reading/language arts, math, science and social studies.  These sites were chosen based on quality of the games, amount of games, visual appeal and ease of use.

 

Reading/ Language Arts

  1. Starfall: This site contains lots of great reading games mainly targeted for early elementary school (k-3rd). The games are organized into reading levels with many games available at that level.  The site will read the words for you and then have you read it back.  They also have stories and plays to read.  The games are easy to use and very kid friendly, visually. http://www.starfall.com/
  2. PBS Kids: This site is also mainly aimed at early elementary children (k-3rd).  The games are fun, easy to use, and attractive.  Also, children can choose their favorite PBS character and play games or read stories about that character. http://pbskids.org/
  3. Sesame Workshop:  This site is very cute and contains many fun reading games.  The site is introduced and explained by Elmo.  Games are targeted for early elementary students (k-3rd).  There are a variety of games, all featuring favorite Sesame Street characters. http://www.sesamestreet.org/home/

 

Math

  1. ABCya!: This site is fun and easy to use.  Games are organized by grade level.  Instructions appear at the beginning of the game.  Some of the games are very simple, visually but they are overall pleasing.  Math games have a variety of themes and teach many different math skills. Games include math man (Pac man game, sudoku, and basic math games). http://www.abcya.com/
  2. NASA Kids Club: This site may seem like an odd choice for math games but many games focus on space as well as math.  There are logic games, addition games and even a game featuring Buzz Lightyear in which kids have to change between grams and kilograms.  The games are very visually pleasing and have lots of sound effects.  They are mainly directed at early elementary (k-3rd) but there are games for older elementary students also and all have good instructions. http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
  3. Sesame Workshop: This site contains some great math games with favorite sesame street characters.  Games are attractive and easy to use.   There are a limited number of math games compared to reading.  It is targeted for very early elementary with identifying shapes and numbers (k-2nd). http://www.sesamestreet.org/home/

Social Studies

1.   Smithsonian Education for Students - History and Culture: This site is sponsored by the Smithsonian Museum and is directed mainly at older elementary school children (3rd-5th).  It contains many games and a lot of information about various historical periods and countries.  Many games come in conjunction with readings about the subjects.  The graphics of the games are not the best but they really connect with curriculum and even current events. The games are entertaining and easy to use. http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/explore_by_topic/history_culture.html

2.   ABCya!:  In addition to many great math games, this site has many social studies/ content games and activities.  These games mostly focus on holiday activity and information.  They are interactive and fun.  The animation is good and the games are easy to use.  This site has areas for all elementary grades, but most of the social studies activities are early elementary (k-3rd). http://www.abcya.com/

3.   National Geographic Kids: Geography Games: This site has games that focus on geography.  Most of the games are in the form of quizzes, but they are visually pleasing and interesting.  This site is more appropriate for older elementary schools children (3rd-5th).  There are other games also that are educational and entertaining but do not exactly fit into the social studies curriculum. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/GeographyGames

Science

1.   EdHeads: This site contains some amazing science games! While there arenŐt many games the games are extremely educational, unique,  and interesting.  Games include performing brain surgery, building a cell phone and helping build a complex machine.  Graphics are good and games are easy to use.  Defiantly for older elementary students (3rd-5th). http://www.edheads.org/index.htm

2.   PBS Kids: In addition to great reading games this site has great science games featuring PBS characters.  Kids simply click on the character and go to their area of the website.  Games and areas are interactive and visually impressive.  The site is targeted to early elementary (k-3rd). http://pbskids.org/

3.   National Geographic Kids: This site has many quiz games and interactive games.  Games have good graphics and detailed instructions.  Many focus on animals and biology.  Kids can also play live against other kids. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/