Best Free Learning Websites for Children

July 2, 2024

Discover the best free learning websites for children! Fuel young minds with interactive resources and educational platforms.

Free Learning Websites for Children

When it comes to providing children with access to educational resources, there are several free learning websites available. Two notable resources in this regard are Save the Children's Educational Resources and Common Sense Education's Reviews and Ratings.

Save the Children's Educational Resources

Save the Children, a renowned organization dedicated to supporting children's well-being and education, has compiled a comprehensive list of free educational websites and apps for kids. These resources cover a range of subjects such as reading and math, offering engaging learning experiences through games, videos, and stories. What sets these resources apart is that they are tailored to specific age and grade levels, ensuring that children receive age-appropriate content.

Save the Children's educational resources are divided into two main categories: preschool learning websites and apps, and elementary school learning websites and apps. Under each category, you can find age-appropriate resources that cater to the unique needs of children at different stages of their educational journey. These resources provide structured learning opportunities to help children develop foundational skills and knowledge.

In addition to the curated list of websites and apps, Save the Children has developed weekly learning activity calendars for children in grades K-6. These calendars provide downloadable resources that offer structured learning for different age groups. Furthermore, Save the Children offers month-by-month activity calendars for at-home learning, starting from February and continuing through August. These calendars cater to children from prenatal to age 5, providing age-appropriate learning materials in both English and Spanish. This demonstrates Save the Children's commitment to supporting continuous learning for children at home [1].

Common Sense Education's Reviews and Ratings

Common Sense Education is a nonprofit organization that offers unbiased and free reviews of learning media for educators. Their ratings and reviews are not influenced by developers or funders, ensuring that educators receive reliable and objective information. The organization uses a research-backed, 14-point rubric to evaluate the transformative learning potential of educational resources. This rubric has been refined over two years through literature reviews, consultations with experts, and surveys of teachers and parents.

The learning ratings provided by Common Sense Education range from "Not Recommended, Poor" to "Best in Class, Excellent." These ratings help educators discover the most promising learning resources that meet the diverse needs and interests of their students. Common Sense Education's reviews provide valuable insights into the grade range, relevant subjects, and skills addressed by each resource. Educators can make informed decisions based on these independent reviews to enhance their teaching practices.

To ensure accuracy and quality in their assessments, Common Sense Education assigns products for review to trained freelance reviewers experienced in education. These reviewers test and evaluate the products against the rubric, determining a rating (out of five stars) and providing detailed information about the resource. The review process can take from a week to a few months, depending on the complexity of the resource, ensuring thorough and reliable evaluations.

Common Sense Education periodically updates their reviews to ensure factual accuracy. They revisit, revise, and re-score tools as needed based on changes, popularity, and requests from developers. This commitment to providing reliable and up-to-date information ensures that educators have access to the most current assessments of learning resources.

By leveraging the resources provided by Save the Children and the evaluations from Common Sense Education, educators and parents can confidently explore a wide range of free learning websites for children. These resources facilitate a dynamic and engaging learning experience, supporting children in their educational journey.

Preschool Learning Websites and Apps

When it comes to providing educational resources for preschoolers, there are several age-appropriate learning websites and apps available. These resources are designed to engage young minds and support their early learning journey.

Age-Appropriate Resources for Preschoolers

Save the Children has compiled a list of free educational websites and apps for kids, including resources for preschool children. These resources cover subjects like reading and math through games, videos, and stories, with content tailored to specific age and grade levels. Some of the age-appropriate resources for preschoolers include:

Website/App Description

ABCmouse: An interactive learning program with a comprehensive curriculum for preschoolers, covering various subjects through engaging activities and games.
PBS Kids: A website that offers a wide range of educational games and videos featuring popular characters, promoting literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
Khan Academy Kids: An app that provides interactive activities, books, and videos covering early literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
Starfall: A website that offers interactive games and activities focused on early reading and phonics skills.
Sesame Street: A beloved educational television program that has an accompanying website with games, videos, and activities promoting early learning in literacy, math, and social skills.

These resources provide a fun and engaging way for preschoolers to learn foundational skills while keeping them entertained and stimulated.

Interactive Learning Tools for Preschool Education

In addition to websites and apps, there are interactive learning tools specifically designed for preschool education. These tools aim to enhance cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Some popular interactive learning tools for preschoolers include:

Learning Tool Description

Here are some interactive learning systems and toys that can help promote early math, reading, and problem-solving skills:

Osmo: An interactive learning system that combines physical manipulatives with digital games.
LeapFrog LeapStart: An interactive learning system that uses books and an electronic pen to engage children in various subjects, including reading, math, and problem-solving.
Tiggly: A set of interactive toys that work with tablet apps to teach early math, literacy, and shape recognition through hands-on play.
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar: A coding toy that introduces basic programming concepts to preschoolers through sequencing and problem-solving challenges.

These interactive learning tools provide hands-on experiences that encourage exploration, critical thinking, and creativity in preschoolers.

By utilizing age-appropriate resources and interactive learning tools, parents and educators can create an engaging and stimulating learning environment for preschoolers. These resources not only help develop essential skills but also foster a love for learning in young children, setting a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Elementary School Learning Websites and Apps

As children progress through elementary school, their educational needs evolve, requiring age-appropriate resources and engaging platforms to support their learning journey. The following section explores some of the best free learning websites and apps for elementary school students.

Age-Appropriate Resources for Elementary School Students

Save the Children, a renowned organization, has compiled a list of free educational websites and apps for children, tailored to specific age and grade levels. These resources cover a wide range of subjects, including reading, math, science, and more. The curated content ensures that elementary school students have access to materials suitable for their developmental stage and academic needs.

In addition to the comprehensive list provided by Save the Children, Common Sense Education offers valuable insights and reviews to help educators discover the most promising learning resources for their students. Their research-backed rubric evaluates learning media based on its transformative potential, providing ratings and grade ranges to guide educators in selecting appropriate resources.

Engaging Educational Platforms for Elementary Education

Several engaging educational platforms cater specifically to elementary school students, offering interactive and captivating learning experiences. Khan Academy is a notable example, providing free online classes in subjects such as math, science, arts, humanities, and more. Designed for kids ages 5-14, Khan Academy offers a diverse range of subjects to support elementary school education.

By leveraging these free online classes, elementary school students can explore various subjects at their own pace, reinforcing their learning through interactive exercises and video lessons. The self-paced nature of these platforms allows children to delve deeper into topics of interest while building a strong foundation in key subjects.

As children progress through elementary school, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with engaging and age-appropriate resources to foster a love for learning. The combination of curated websites and apps, along with platforms like Khan Academy, offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for elementary school students. By harnessing these resources, educators and parents can enhance the learning experience and empower children to reach their full potential.

Online Learning Platforms for Kids

In the digital age, online learning platforms have become invaluable resources for children seeking educational opportunities beyond traditional classrooms. Two prominent platforms that offer free online classes and courses for kids are Khan Academy and Udemy.

Khan Academy's Free Online Classes

Khan Academy is widely recognized for its extensive collection of educational resources. They offer free online classes in various subjects, making learning accessible for children of different age groups and interests. The classes cover a wide range of topics including math, science, arts, humanities, reading, computing, economics, life skills, and test preparation. According to create-learn.us, Khan Academy classes are specifically designed for kids aged 5-14.

By providing interactive video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes, Khan Academy creates an engaging learning experience for young minds. The platform also offers progress tracking features, allowing students to monitor their own growth and achievements. Khan Academy's commitment to providing free, high-quality education has made it a trusted resource for both students and parents.

Udemy's Free Online Courses for Kids

Udemy is another online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses for children. Their free online courses for kids cover diverse subjects, including art, math, science, and programming. These courses are designed by experts in their respective fields, ensuring that children receive top-quality instruction.

Udemy's courses incorporate interactive video lectures, hands-on projects, and quizzes to facilitate effective learning. The platform allows students to learn at their own pace, providing flexibility and adaptability to different learning styles. By offering a variety of courses, Udemy empowers children to explore their interests and expand their knowledge beyond traditional academic subjects.

Both Khan Academy and Udemy are valuable resources for children seeking to enhance their learning experience outside of the classroom. These online platforms provide access to high-quality educational materials, fostering a love for learning and promoting intellectual growth.

Specialty Learning Websites for Kids

When it comes to providing educational resources catered to children's interests, there are several specialty learning websites that stand out. Two notable options in this category are National Geographic Kids and Outschool.

National Geographic Kids' Educational Resources

National Geographic Kids offers a plethora of free educational resources designed to engage and inspire children. Their website provides games, articles, videos, and experiments that cover a wide range of topics, including science, animals, history, and more. The content is tailored for children aged 5-21, making it suitable for a diverse range of learners.

With National Geographic Kids, children can embark on exciting virtual adventures, explore the natural world, and expand their knowledge through interactive and engaging activities. The website's educational resources help children develop a love for learning while fostering curiosity about the world around them.

Outschool's Live Online Classes for Education and Enrichment

Outschool is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of live online classes for children of all ages. They provide a variety of subjects and topics, allowing children to explore their interests and expand their knowledge in a fun and interactive way. While Outschool does offer paid classes, they also offer free special classes and workshops for kids every month, making quality education accessible to all.

Through Outschool's live online classes, children have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and interact with peers from around the world. The platform covers a diverse range of subjects, including STEM, arts and music, social studies, and more. This not only supports children's academic growth but also encourages their personal development and enrichment.

Both National Geographic Kids and Outschool provide valuable resources and opportunities for children to engage in educational activities that align with their interests. These specialty learning websites offer unique content and experiences that can make the learning process enjoyable and meaningful for children. By utilizing these resources, parents and educators can supplement traditional learning and encourage a lifelong love for knowledge in children.

Additional Free Educational Websites for Kids

In addition to the previously mentioned learning websites, there are a few more platforms that offer valuable educational resources for children. These websites provide interactive games and activities that make learning engaging and enjoyable.

PBS Kids' Interactive Games and Activities

PBS Kids is a well-known educational website that offers a wide range of interactive games, videos, and printable activities for children and parents. With a focus on subjects like reading, math, science, and social-emotional learning, PBS Kids provides a variety of resources to support children's educational journey. The website offers content from popular TV shows like Wild Kratts and Arthur, making learning fun and familiar.

Age Range/Subjects

Age Range: 3-9
Subjects: Reading, Math, Science, Social-Emotional Learning

(Source: Milwaukee With Kids)

Fun Math Games on Cool Math 4 Kids

Cool Math 4 Kids is a website that specializes in fun math games, puzzles, and brain teasers for children. It aims to develop math skills in an engaging way, making it an excellent resource for children to practice and reinforce their math knowledge. The website provides a variety of games and activities that cover various math topics, catering to different age groups.

Age Range: Varies
Subjects: Math

These additional learning websites offer a plethora of educational resources to supplement children's learning journey. Whether it's through interactive games, engaging videos, or printable activities, these platforms provide a fun and effective way for children to acquire and reinforce knowledge in various subjects. Parents and educators can explore these websites to enhance children's learning experience and make education an enjoyable adventure.

Importance of Educational Websites for Kids

In today's digital age, educational websites for kids play a vital role in enhancing learning experiences and providing valuable resources. These websites offer interactive content, games, and other multimedia tools that engage young minds while fostering knowledge acquisition. Let's explore two aspects of their importance: enhancing learning with games and interactive media, and the positive impact of digital games on student performance.

Enhancing Learning with Games and Interactive Media

Integrating games and interactive media into the learning process has shown promising results in terms of student engagement and knowledge retention. Research has indicated that using games as an intrinsic part of the learning experience is more effective than using them as extrinsic motivators, such as placing multiple-choice questions between levels.

By incorporating games and interactive elements, educational websites make the learning process more enjoyable and captivating for children. These interactive features allow kids to actively participate, experiment, and explore concepts in a hands-on manner. As a result, they are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Furthermore, incorporating external stimuli, such as multimedia elements, in lectures and educational materials has been found to enhance information retention, capture students' attention, reduce boredom, and improve learning outcomes and memory [4]. Educational websites leverage these techniques to create an immersive learning environment that stimulates young minds and promotes active learning.

Positive Impact of Digital Games on Student Performance

Digital games have demonstrated a positive impact on student performance. A survey conducted by gamesandlearning.org revealed that the introduction of instruction using digital games positively influenced student performance. The survey found that 47% of low-performing students, 23% of average-performing students, and 15% of high-performing students showed improvements in their academic performance.

These games provide an engaging and interactive platform for students to apply their knowledge in a practical context. They often incorporate elements of problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, which are essential skills for academic success and real-world applications.

Digital games also offer personalized learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and receive immediate feedback on their performance. This individualized approach helps to address the diverse learning needs of students, ensuring that they can grasp and master concepts effectively.

By leveraging the benefits of digital games and interactive media, educational websites empower children to actively participate in their learning journey, improve their academic performance, and develop essential skills that extend beyond the confines of the classroom.

To ensure a safe online environment for children, organizations like Common Sense Media prioritize digital literacy and well-being. They provide resources to educate parents about protecting their children's digital privacy and promoting responsible online behavior. By fostering a healthy and secure online experience, educational websites contribute to the overall well-being and development of young learners.

Protecting Children's Online Activities

In today's digital age, it is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of children while they engage in online activities. Several organizations, such as Common Sense Media, are dedicated to providing resources and tools to protect children's digital privacy and promote their overall well-being.

Common Sense Media's AI Ratings and Reviews

Common Sense Media has introduced an innovative AI Ratings and Reviews system to assist parents in evaluating movies, TV shows, and other digital content for children. This system is a first-of-its-kind approach that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide valuable insights and recommendations for parents [5].

The AI Ratings and Reviews system analyzes various aspects of media content, including educational value, positive role models, violence, language, and more. It aims to empower parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their children's media consumption. By leveraging this AI-driven tool, parents can choose age-appropriate and high-quality content that aligns with their values and educational goals.

Promoting Digital Literacy and Well-being for Kids

The Healthy Young Minds Campaign by Common Sense Media focuses on promoting digital literacy and well-being among children. This initiative recognizes the importance of equipping children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Through educational resources, workshops, and advocacy efforts, Common Sense Media aims to empower children to make informed decisions, think critically, and engage with digital media in a positive and responsible manner. By promoting digital literacy, Common Sense Media seeks to cultivate a generation of young individuals who are equipped to navigate the digital landscape confidently and safely.

In addition, Common Sense Media emphasizes the significance of protecting children's digital privacy. They provide resources and guidance to help parents safeguard their children's online activities. With the increasing concerns surrounding children's digital privacy, Common Sense Media's efforts are crucial in creating awareness and offering practical solutions to protect children's personal information and online interactions.

To further emphasize the importance of digital privacy, Common Sense Media released a recent report titled "2023 State of Kids' Privacy." This report serves as a valuable resource to raise awareness about the privacy issues affecting children's online experiences. By highlighting the challenges and proposing strategies to address these issues, Common Sense Media aims to drive meaningful change and advocate for enhanced privacy protection for children.

In conclusion, organizations like Common Sense Media play a vital role in protecting children's online activities. Through their AI Ratings and Reviews system, they provide parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about media consumption. Additionally, their focus on promoting digital literacy and well-being ensures that children have the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. By advocating for children's digital privacy, Common Sense Media strives to create a safer and more secure online environment for children.