DaveenTripp703

This is the second inside a series of articles that i'm writing about free educational websites. Starfall is really a website that also provides educational fun through games, videos, crafts and storytelling while teaching basic computer skills. This site is exceptional at teaching and developing reading comprehension and phonics skills. Though it is designed for first grade, Starfall is a great website for Pre-K through second grade. Starfall.com is to establish in sections for four stages of reading development, games and activities areas. It features:

o ABCs - Within this section, there is an alphabet chart that kids can click on each letter to learn the sound it can make and to hear it found in a word. There is also a row of vowels that, when clicked, teach kids the vowels and long and short vowel sounds. A sign language section teaches kids to sign the ABCs.

o Learn to Read - In this section, there are fun animated music videos teaching the letters from the alphabets and sounds that each one makes. Stories which follow the music videos repeatedly use words containing the letters. The way of teaching pronunciation is quite creative. The "chunk that word" video is actually cute and fun because it teaches how to break words up and pronounce each chunk so that you can learn to pronounce the whole word.

o Star Fall - It's Fun to see - This section uses Art, Magic, Music, Poetry, Tongue twisters and riddles to show how fun it's to read. There is even an activity that lets the little one create a story about his / her self.

o I'm Reading - This section has plays, comics, and various types of stories to add folk tales, fiction, nonfiction, Greek myths and Chinese fables for your child's enjoyment.

o Games and Activities include building a calendar, holiday activities, word hunt, find a clover and earth day recycling games. Additionally, there are more opportunities for creating stories.

o It has an online store for purchasing educational materials.

o Starfall printed material and online printouts are available in the download area.

o Numerous pages throughout the site have ideas for parent or teacher use of the materials on the page.

o Stargazer - Kindergarten curriculum can be a new offering of Starfall. It is a Kindergarten reading and language arts program available to buy.