My girls don’t have a lot of access to screens in general, and when it comes to the internet, I’m extra cautious. They don’t know what Youtube is and they don’t have their own iPads. I know it is something I’m going to have to learn how to navigate in the future (so please tell me all your online safety tips for kids!), but for now this limited system works pretty well for us.
However, I also understand that the internet is host to a profusion of incredible resources for kids, too. Over the years I’ve found a few tried and true sites that I love and let the girls access under my supervision. I wanted to share a few of our favorites with you today, and would love to hear which online sites you’ve found educational, engaging, or just plain fun for your kids. The girls are 7 and 4, and these sites entertain both ages well.
Favorite Online Sites for Kids Ages 4-7 Years Old
Storyline Online: Storyline Online streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. It’s completely free, has some big name actors, and each story has a run time of 8-15 minutes, which is often times can be the perfect small chunk of time a mom needs to finish getting lunch ready.
Cosmic Kids Yoga: Cosmic Kids Yoga shares yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world. The host used imaginative stories to lead kids through movements and it’s always a lot of fun!
Reading Eggs: Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities. We have a family dashboard and each girl has her own portal to access her her leveled activities.
Art Hub for Kids: Art Hub for Kids is a free online resource that shares art projects and drawing instruction with kids in a simple, step-by-step fashion. They have the projects divided by age and there is something for all skills levels. They have options from popular cartoon characters, to seasonal drawings, and more!
PBS Kids: PBS Kids offers shows, games, and activities for young kids that all are completely age appropriate and usually offer some kind of educational aspect as well. My girls love Curious George (yes, even Hailey at age 7), Wild Kratts, The Odd Squad, Sid the Science Kid, and more.
Time for Kids: Time for Kids is broken down by grade level and shares age-appropriate stories that kids are excited about, information about the world around them, and offers a wide array of topics. I also love that the article length is just right for the given age’s attention span.
Chess Kid: Chess Kid has learning tools that keep kids motivated to learn and improve their Chess skills. It offers all levels of play and kids can play the computer or other kids (no private info needed!). Hailey loves this!
Do you have a favorite online resource that is great?
Please share it below for others (and myself!) to try!
Rachel says
Some of my favorite memories of electronics growing up were playing the games on the American Girl and Barbie websites! It was a different time on the internet, for sure!
Another one I would add is “Calm.” It’s a meditation app that I’ve found to completely change the way I handle worry and anxiety. I really wish that I had learned meditation and tricks to calm your mind when I was a kid!
Thanks for sharing with us! I love following along on your journey!
Rachel | http://www.rachelstriving.wordpress.com
K. Elizabeth says
We love Reading Eggs! It really helped my son a lot with his phonics. They have a math version that I’m thinking of getting a subscription to help him and my daughter sharpen their math skills. I’ll have to check out the other sites you mentioned.
Hena Tayeb says
Oh these all sound great.. we use Reading Eggs and PBS kids.
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com