Free Educational Games, Websites, Printables for Children

 Last week, the American Library Association observed Banned Books Week. Not celebrated--the ALA recognizes the impact to the reading public when books are challenged. And it hopes to educate people on the essence of allowing all books to have a place on the shelf.

The ALA is a celebrating a milestone in children's literature too. It's the 75th anniversary of the prestigious Caldecott Award for best illustrations in kids' lit. And the ALA in its Association for Library Service to Children, has compiled a comprehensive collection of educational websites for kids. Games, crafts, reference, coloring, puzzles and more.  Free Educational Websites, Printable Learning Games For Kids

Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homeschoolers, need cheap, homemade language arts lesson plans? Special needs teachers, want interactive reading games? Here are hands-on reading activities for preschool to high school. Use cheap, recycled materials. Lessons are based on HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills): analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation. Games, interactive lessons, multisensory activities--perfect for ages preschool through high school with modifications. Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Homeschoolers, need cheap, homemade language arts lesson plans? Special needs teachers, want interactive reading games? Here are hands-on reading activities for preschool to high school. Use cheap, recycled materials. Lessons are based on HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills): analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation.
Hands-On Homemade Reading Crafts, Book Activities, Literature Games

Reading Language Arts Games Using Cartoons and Graphic Novels

Years ago, I made a file folder game that has traveled with me to elementary, middle school, special education, adult education and homeschool classrooms. This language arts- reading game uses cartoons, comic strips and graphic novels. I call this game Cartoon Cut-Ups.  Laminate colored comics from Sunday newspaper cartoon section, then cut comic strip into individual frames (usually six to eight).  Write cartoon name number order on the back of each piece in permanent marker. Place frame pieces in envelope (label envelope with name). The object of the game is to reassemble the mixed-up cartoon frames back in their original order so that the cartoon makes sense. Graphic novels work well also, but generally have more frames. Assembling a graphic novel cartoon will be more challenging. Here's more on this game. Reading Language Arts Games Using Cartoons and Graphic Novels

Free Printable Preschool Story Starters, Picture Cue Writing Prompts, Word Games

March 21 is World Poetry Day and April is National Poetry Month in the U.S. Teachers, why not celebrate in school by hosting creative writer workshops with students? Parents, you can do with kids at home or make activities part of a homeschool lessons. Here are free printable preschool story starters and picture cue writing prompts to get the ideas flowing. Read more

Free Printable American Girl Games

Like history, adventure, literature and loads of fun online games, free printable activities for girls? American Girls, creators of the fabulously popular movie Kit Kittredge, An American Girl has games, puzzles, history activities, crafts, recipes, coloring pages, online reading club, magazine info plus shopping for girls! (Disable Pop-up blocker, flash player, shockwave and Adobe Acrobat reader needed for some activities). Rated ***** for graphics, user-friendly and educational fun. Free, safe and educational online gaming for girls in grades 2-7 or so. free printable American Girls games