RodmanMendosa327
This is the second in a series of articles that we are writing about free educational websites. Starfall can be a website that also provides educational fun through games, videos, crafts and storytelling while teaching basic computer skills. This website is exceptional at teaching and developing reading comprehension and phonics skills. Even though it is designed for first grade, Starfall is a good website for Pre-K through second grade. Starfall.com is set up in sections for four stages of reading development, games and activities areas. It features:
o ABCs - On this section, there is an alphabet chart from which kids can select each letter to learn the sound celebrate 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 - On this section, there are fun animated music videos teaching the letters with the alphabets and sounds that every one makes. Stories that follow the music videos repeatedly use words containing the letters. The method of teaching pronunciation is very creative. The "chunk that word" video is really cute and fun since it teaches how to break words up and pronounce each chunk so that you can learn to pronounce the entire word.
o Star Fall - It's Fun to learn - This section uses Art, Magic, Music, Poetry, Tongue twisters and riddles to show how fun it is to read. There is even an action that lets the little one create a story about his or her self.
o I'm Reading - It has plays, comics, and various types of stories to include folk tales, fiction, nonfiction, Greek myths and Chinese fables for the child's enjoyment.
o Games and Activities include creating a calendar, holiday activities, word hunt, look for a clover and earth day recycling games. There's also more opportunities for creating stories.
o There is an online store for purchasing educational materials.
o Starfall printed material and internet based printouts are available in the download area.
o Several pages throughout the site have recommendations for parent or teacher use of the materials on the page.
o Stargazer - Kindergarten curriculum is a new offering of Starfall. This can be a Kindergarten reading and language arts program available for sale.
