If you are looking for ways to get your kids interested in books and reading, try these reading websites for kids.
About Reading Websites for Kids
Whatever your child's reading level-- whether a preschooler just learning the alphabet, a new reader learning about letter blends, or a reluctant reader needing a gentle push-- you can find an appropriate reading website for kids. All of the sites featured here are free, although some might have clickable ads. Supervise your children as they are online and teach them to ask permission before clicking on ads or navigating away from the site.
Starfall
Starfall.com is a LoveToKnow favorite! It is full of fun activities for the pre-reader and the new reader. Interactive, dancing ABC's sing about their names and phonetic sounds while colorful creatures act out online stories for easy readers. Many stories and activities are arranged by theme, such as holidays, animals, seasons, and family. Multiple choice story wizards provide opportunities for beginning readers to make hundreds of interesting stories.
There are also activities, lessons, and online books for more established readers. You'll find:
- Plays
- Comics
- Greek myths
- Fables
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
Reading Rainbow
You would expect PBS to offer a phenomenal reading website for kids, and PBS Kids Reading Rainbow, a site based on the popular television show, delivers. The site features audio and video discussions of popular children's books, as well as lessons and printables for reinforcement. Games such as Silly Sentence Machine and Name That Book show the lighter side of reading, and activities such as Make Your Own Book get kids actively involved. A special section just for parents and teachers presents activities that correspond to the show's episodes. For example, after watching the Amazing Grace episode, children can make thumbprint creatures, sing the I am Special song, and make a special orange juice drink. Periodic writing contests also help get kids excited about learning. This show and hands-on site combination could be a valuable addition to a classroom, daycare, or homeschool.
Time for Kids
If your kids love reading the news, or if you'd like to introduce them to current events for kids, you must visit Time for Kids. Sponsored by Time magazine, this site offers two versions, one for kids and one for parents or teachers. Interviews with kid celebrities keep kids entertained while informative pieces on the environment and other countries educate. In addition, there are worksheets, lesson plans, and organizational tools. Educational, reading-based offerings include:
- Word games
- Riddles
- Themed lesson plans
- Biographies
- Writing assignments based on stories
- Book making
- Acting out stories
- Reading comprehension
- Teacher's guides that correspond to the magazine
Lessons and games are organized by theme, skill, and grade level.
Looney Kids
Looney Kids by Looney Tunes has games and activities based on the popular Looney Tunes characters, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Marvin, Elmer Fudd, and more. Fill-in-the-blank stories give kids a say in the action. This site is heavy on games, but kids learn while they're having fun. Many of the games also feature informative articles as an introduction to the subject matter.
