FUN STUFF FOR KIDS
PBS Kids - Where kids can play free reading games and activities
with their parents, teachers, and caregivers!
Magic Tree House - The first Magic Tree House book was published in 1992, introducing the world to Jack and Annie, a brother and sister who discover a magical tree house filled with books. In Dinosaurs Before Dark, the tree house takes them on their first journey, an adventure in prehistoric times. Since then, the magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie - and lucky readers! - on many more adventures through time to different places around the world.
Sid the Science Kid - Fun science games and interactive videos. Games include "Let's fly", "Red Light / Green Light", "Weather Surprise", "Snowflake Match", and more.
Give it a try!
PBS Cyberchase - Fun and educational games - math, sports, science, environment, geometry, and more. And it's from PBS!
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is a new animated program for preschoolers ages 2 to 4 which builds on the pioneering PBS series, Mister Rogers'™ Neighborhood. This new series, for a new generation of children, tells its engaging stories about the life of a preschooler using musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers'™ landmark social-emotional curriculum. Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for school and for life.
Starfall - Where kids can play free reading games and activities with their parents, teachers, and caregivers.
Disney Junior! - Fun games, stories, music, videos, and more - all with your favorite Disney characters!
National Geographic KIDS - Play "Big Gulp", where you guide your mouse through some twisty SNAKE mazes. Or, try the "River Explorer", or "Cranberry Swing".
If you're really feeling smart today, check out the Anagram Farm. I'll bet you can't solve the puzzles without at least one hint!
NASA Kids'Club - Are you a future astronaut? Or do you just want to have a little fun in space? Check out the Nasa Kids' Club for some cool games, and fun facts about space - Like this....did you know that Buzz Lightyear actually flew along on a real space mission??
Resources For Parents
Encouraging Your Children to Read
The links below will take you to sites that provide great suggestions for helping your child develop and maintain an interest in reading. Check back often - we'll keep adding and modifying the list of suggested links.
20 Ways for Parents to Encourage Reading
Resources from Reading is Fundamental (RIF) - Literacy Central
Tips for Reading Aloud with Elementary School Children
Choosing Books for a Reluctant Reader
This website is created by teachers and general public. It's a good source if your looking for books by subject or level.
Internet Safety
On Guard Online - this site from the federal government provides tips for parents for navigation online safety including talking with your kids.
http://www.onguardonline.gov/
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.- this site has links for parents, educators, law enforcement to find information for internet safety. Each page provides presentations and links to more information. This site also has a link for parents with teens and a special section just for kids.
https://www.missingkids.org/home
Cybersmart - this website created by the Australian government is great for resources and advice about being online safely for all ages.
https://esafety.gov.au/?from=cybersmart
FBI's Parent Guide to Internet Safety - this is a direct link to the FBI's informational pamphlet to online exploitation and the risks to your children.
https://www2.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
Helping with Homework
Family Education
This site is packed with 'back-to-school' information - and it goes beyond homework help (although there is a great homework section here...)
The main back-to-school page includes links on getting ready for school, back-to-school safety, 'what parents need to know this school year', and even breakfast and lunch ideas and recipes.
TLS Books Free Worksheets
Need a little more help with school work or wishing to educationally occupy your kids then this site is full of free educational worksheets for PreK to Grade 5.
Scholastic School Success
Tips from scholastic to help your kids succeed in school from PreK to grade 8
Parenting Tips
Health and Parenting Center
This site from WebMD covers popular hot topics in parenting and health, popular searches as well as access to their online parenting community.
Planned Parenthood - Tools for Parents
Great source for tips on talking to children about growing up
Reading
Newbery Medal
Recognizes distinguished contribution to American children’s literature.
Caldecott Medal
Recognizes distinguished art in an American picture book.
Sibert Medal
Recognizes the most distinguished informational picture book published in English.
Geisel Award
Recognizes authors for their literary and artistic achievements that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading.