Top Educational Websites for 2011

Homeschool.com has come out with their annual list of the top 100 educational websites. The full list is categorized by subject and you'll want to bookmark it as a great reference tool. I've linked the top five sites here, but check out the full list. There are some great tools for fun and learning with your kids!

The Top Five Sites for 2011

1. www.exploratorium.edu
2. www.pbs.org
3. www.brainpop.com
4. www.sheppardsoftware.com
5. www.donnayoung.org

For the full list click here.

Tuesday Teaching Round Up - Educational Links

"Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com"

Get a one month FREE trial to LessonPathways.com
Hot Chalk Math - New!
Hot Chalk Science - New!
Hot Chalk Art - New!
Art Encyclopedia
Ask A Scientist
Everyday SpellingFact Hound: Math Graphs
Teacher Files (lesson plans, clip art, printables and more)
Healthy Bones
Virtual Jamestown
ASL University
Geography Dictionary / Glossary for Students
Map Games

Math Lessons and Games

Money and Banking:
Fed Website (you can order some freebies to be mailed to you too)
Million $ Mission and what does a billion pennies look like?
Probability:
Probability Lesson with M&Ms - Sweet! (for about ages 4 and up)
Other Math Activities:
Premade Math Worksheets and Flash cards by Grade (1st-4th)
Awesome Library Math Lessons and other Links (assesments, games, etc)
Thinkfinity Math Activities (search by grade or view all)
Number Nut (games and quizzes)
Kidport (select a grade, then select a subject)

Free Educational Videos for Kids

Wow, I have hit the motherload. I just found NeoK12, and amazing website that has cataloged the best selection of free online educational videos for kids from preschool on up. You will be amazed at what is on the site, I was! Tons of great videos categorized by topic and all of them have been reviewed by K-12 teachers for kid-friendly content. The whole site is certified by iwatchdog as a kid safe website.

I don't know about you, but around here we love books. We have a children's library of nearly 500 books encompassing all sorts of topics, fiction and non. We are also fans of The History Channel (did you catch Expedition Africa last night??? awesome), Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the National Geographic Channel and the like.

We let our kids watch some of these programs because they give us a look at places, animals and habitats in a multi-sensory way that is very engaging and memorable. While I believe that books are invaluable and should be a primary source of information because that engage the mind in ways that other media cannot, I also have to admit that seeing and hearing live action can be much more exciting when researching certain topics.

That is why I am loving this NeoK12 website. It offers short engaging videos that are easy accessible and kid safe. I don't have to worry about commercials or scary creepy previews freaking out my toddler or preschooler who might also be in close proximity. The length of each video is listed next to the clip. Most I have seen range from 2 - 9 minutes. Not long enough to be boring, but still packed with information.

I am giving this site two huge thumbs up. And, whether you homeschool or not (even if you don't have kids) I think it's worth your time to check it out. I hope you will enjoy it was much as we are!

Free Month Trial to Aleks Math

I have not personally tried this product as it is geared toward students older than my own. I did review the website, they have a nifty little tour, and was impressed with how well it is laid out and how user friendly it is. I will be the first to admit that math is not my forte, nor is it a subject that I even enjoyed (loathed is more like it). There are many ways to teach math and I think the best route should be determined by the student's interests and learning style. I am passing on this info since it seems like a great opportunity to try a curriculum for free before you buy into it. A whole month is more than you get with most software/online products. So, check it out for yourself and see if it might be useful to you or someone you know.
More about Aleks...

ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) can provide you with the instruction and support you need to homeschool your children in mathematics for grades 3-12. ALEKS is accessible from virtually any computer with Internet access, making it a flexible and mobile educational solution for your children.

ALEKS is a Research-Based Online Math Program:

* Complete Curriculum Solution for Math - One Subscription Allows Access to All Courses
* No Textbook Required
* Artificial Intelligence Targets Gaps in Student Knowledge
* Assessment and Individualized Learning for Grades 3-12
* Automated Reports Monitor Learning Progress
* Unlimited Online Access - PC & Mac Compatible

NEW! - ALEKS QuickTables is a research-based math fact mastery tool for multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction for grades 3 and up.

April is Financial Literacy Month

BrainPop makes it easy to start a discussion with your kids about the importance of healthy financial habits.





I love BrainPoP! Also check out this month's free mini movie on BrainPoP Jr, Reduce, ReUse, Recycle.

Swamped and Pooped

Hello...ello...ello... dear readers...eaders...eaders...

Hmmm, sounds like a vast, vacant canyon out there. Oh, I kid, I know all three of you are so loyal and I am deeply grateful.

Okay, so it's late. I'm loopy. I have been swamped with work and coordinating soccer teams/coaches/uniform distribution on top of homeschooling, child rearing, laundry loading, housekeeping and dog training. I. Need. Sleep. Coffee's just not cuttin' it anymore. Still, I love you dearly and wanted to post something since you did stop by and all. So, here it is...two quick links to cool stuff.

This ing sponsored link teaches kids all about money.
And this resource link is just a fun place to stop daily for news, history, vocab, quizzes and schtuff.

Hope you enjoy 'em.
That's all I can manage for now....

Teaching Resources Online

Here are a few links to keep you busy this month:

I love PBS. The quality programming and value are great, and the online resources abound. Check out these new online activity packs for lesson plans and links by age/grade and topic. This is a site to bookmark and visit often.
If you have an early learner, these math resources for younger kids are lots of fun. And be sure to explore the site for lots more games and activities.
My oldest son has always been intrigued by wolves. We really enjoyed the In the Valley of the Wolves program.
Here is a series of free character building lessons on empowerment and positive attitudes for K-12.
And, check out Hot Chalk's daily free videos celebrating Black History month.

Happy exploring!

NOTE: Please review all of these resources for age appropriate content before using them with your kids.