| This is the second in a series of articles that I am | | | | up and pronounce each chunk in order to learn to |
| writing about free educational websites. Starfall is | | | | pronounce the entire word.o It's Fun to Read - |
| a website that also provides educational fun | | | | This section uses Art, Magic, Music, Poetry, |
| through games, videos, crafts and storytelling | | | | Tongue twisters and riddles to show how fun it is |
| while teaching basic computer skills. This site is | | | | to read. There is even an activity that lets the |
| exceptional at teaching and developing reading | | | | child create a story about his or her self.o I'm |
| comprehension and phonics skills. Though it is | | | | Reading - This section has plays, comics, and |
| designed for first grade, Starfall is a great website | | | | various types of stories to include folk tales, |
| for Pre-K through second grade. is set up in | | | | fiction, nonfiction, Greek myths and Chinese fables |
| sections for four stages of reading development, | | | | for your child's enjoyment.o Games and Activities |
| games and activities areas. It features:o ABCs - | | | | include making a calendar, holiday activities, word |
| In this section, there is an alphabet chart from | | | | hunt, find a clover and earth day recycling games. |
| which kids can click on each letter to find out the | | | | There are also more opportunities for creating |
| sound it makes and to hear it used in a word. | | | | stories.o There is an online store for purchasing |
| There is also a row of vowels that, when clicked, | | | | educational materials.o Starfall printed material and |
| teach kids the vowels and short and long vowel | | | | online printouts are available in the download |
| sounds. A sign language section teaches kids to | | | | area.o A number of pages throughout the site |
| sign the ABCs.o Learn to Read - In this section, | | | | have suggestions for parent or teacher use of |
| there are fun animated music videos teaching the | | | | the materials on the page.o Kindergarten |
| letters of the alphabets and sounds that each one | | | | curriculum is a new offering of Starfall. This is a |
| makes. Stories that follow the music videos | | | | Kindergarten reading and language arts program |
| repeatedly use words containing the letters. The | | | | available for purchase. |
| approach to teaching pronunciation is very | | | | is an excellent tool for parents, teachers and |
| creative. The "chunk that word" video is really | | | | home schooling for developing reading skills and its |
| cute and fun as it teaches how to break words | | | | fun for children. Don't miss this website. |