JumpStart is an online 3-D world for kids aged three to 12. After parents install the program, which takes one to two minutes, children choose hair, facial features and clothing to personalize their 'Jumpee' character. They can then begin to explore the Jumpstart world, which includes learning games like Adventureland, and Storyland, designed to give fun practice with reading and other skills. The games are age appropriate and parents are able to save the game and return to it at a later time.
Starfall is a free website that uses phonics to teach children to read. Designed for pre-school through second grade, Starfall uses a combination of stories, games and songs to guide children through four reading levels. Rated in the top five educational websites by Homeschool.com and The Reading Teacher, Starfall is a resource that has been recommended by both parents and educators to help children on the path to literacy.
International book giant Scholastic provides a website offering thousands of games, interactive stories, printables and teaching resources free of charge covering pre-school through twelfth grade. The learning materials are divided by grade and each offers familiar characters appropriate to the age, such as Clifford the Big Red Dog for the preschool and kindergarten section. The website also offers resources to assist learning in social studies, science and math.
Knowledge Adventure is a free website offering over 100 games for children in preschool through sixth grade. No registration or installation is necessary; parents simply choose a game by subject, age, or grade and let the the fun begin. Knowledge Adventure has been awarded the National Parenting Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award, among others. The website is an educational alternative to other entertainment sources for children, such as the television.