1. Journey on The Underground Railroad
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/j1.html
This site allows the user to take the journey on the Underground Railroad making the decisions that slaves who followed the trail had to make. Each decision is crucial to the user getting to freedom safely. If the user makes a decision that will lead to them getting caught the site explains what would have happened if they made this decision and allows the user to continue back on the Underground Railroad. This teaches the user about what it was like to travel on the Underground Railroad.
Advantages: This website was interactive and lets the use learn as they embark on their journey.
Disadvantages:No two journeys on the Underground Railroad were the same and not everyone made it to freedom safely even by making all the correct and safest decisions.
2.The Erie Canal
http://www.eriecanal.org/index.html
The site would be perfect for someone looking to learn more about the Erie Canal. There is a ton of great information about the Erie Canal.
Advantages: The website is easy to navigate and even has a section for other links related to the Erie Canal.
Disadvantages: Not visually stimulating or interactive. Would be better used for research.
3. Colonial Times
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002611F/index.htm
This site has information about clothing, daily life, school life, modes of transportation and different jobs in colonial times. Plus links to fun facts and different games children played plus much more! The cool thing about this site is that it was created by children for children. It is easy to read and navigate the page and the information is useful, entertaining and factual.
Advantages: User friendly. Vocabulary words are linked so you can go to the definition of that word.
Disadvantages: None
4. 10 Cool Things About Geography
http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/kidsteens_welcome.html
Quick and too the point this list lets students know what Geography is and why it is important.
Advantages: Short simple and informative. This site also links to other site where the user can find for information about something that interests them.
Disadvantages: The text is small and hard to read.
5. The Story of the Liberty Bell
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/libertybell.htm
The Liberty Bell is an important part of US history, however, it is something that many do not know the story about. This site gives the user further insight into the history of the Liberty Bell and what it stands for.
Advantages: This site is factual and interesting.
Disadvantages: There are not many pictures of graphics and the site looks plain, sometimes with SS show students pictures is a good way to help them make connections to things they have never seen in person before.
6. Phonics/ Letter Sound
http://www.yourchildlearns.com/letters/lettersounds.htm
Interactive letter sound game allows students to chose a level. Once students have chosen a level they are given words to match to certain letter sound areas.
Advantages: They should the letter and there is also audio.
Disadvantages: Hard to drag words the words to the correct location.
7. Read Aloud
http://www.storylineonline.net/
Famous people with captivating voices read aloud to students as the write text scrolls across the screen. This is a good way for student to practice reading.
Advantages: This site has activities to go along with the reading which helps students practice comprehension as they are practicing their decoding skills.
Disadvantages: There are limited books and reading levels but other than that this site is pretty awesome!
8. Interactive learn to read activities
http://www.starfall.com
Students can select their reading ability level and there are interactive activities they can plan that help them build their skills. This site is perfect for the students to use on their own during centers.
Advantages: This site is interactive and primary students of any reading level can find something for them on this site. It is easy to navigate and the audio is perfect for a struggling reader.
Disadvantages: There are certain activities even though they are meant to be educational that they students can mess around with and be silly.
9. Spelling
http://www.tvokids.com/games/spellingbee
Students are given a word verbally to spell. They can type in the the spell and check to see if they spelled the word correctly if the student spells the word incorrectly the spelling bee shows the correct spell. Students get an overall score out of 25.
Advantages: Helps students learn to spell and isa fun and interactive way to practice spelling.
Disadvantages: Students cannot select their grade level so the words may be too easy or too difficult.
10. Interactive Writing
A way for students to practice their writing skills online with the assistance of an interactive game. Students will learn how to form letters and this will also help with letter recognition.
Advantages: Allows students to go at their own pace and helps clean up the confusion students have while practice writing alone at their seats.
Disadvantages: The website is a litte hard to navigate but once you get start is is okay.
