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Websites for Children

Below is a selection of websites that I use, that are aimed at children to explore online. 

When navigating an online space with your child provide them with a balanced view and discuss the merits of different websites. Watch some of my videos below for some top tips.

What to discuss with your children when searching online:

1. Refine: what information they are trying to find out. I would advise brainstorming words that they could search to help them find what they are looking for before getting online.
2. Search: Focus on keywords when searching, simple terms, alter search words if it doesn't come up with what you want, use quotation marks e.g. when including a phrase "sick as a dog."
3. Delve: Explain to children that every single individual will get different search results depending on their history, location etc. Look beyond the first few results, as they can include ads. Explain Google has a complex PageRank algorithm.
 - What is the URL (look at the green URL)? (does it end with .edu / .gov instead of something random?)
- Have you heard of it? e.g. London Zoo / National Geographic / NASA (all reputable websites)
4. Assess: Once you've opened the website - *remember not everything you read is true.* I would always recommend cross-checking a website with at least one other source.
5. Cite: This is an important skill for children to learn and understand about plagiarism and copyright infringement. You can use other peoples work but you need to say who wrote it and where it came from. 

Overview of Websites

A selection of some of the best websites to use with children. Look below for detailed description of each website or look on CommonSense Media for more information about sites that are appropriate for your child.

Common Sense Media
A website for parents to check how appropriate most media is for your child.

Search Engines

- Kiddle
- DK Find Out
- DuckDuckGo
- KidRex
- KidzSearch
- Google

Maths Websites

- Khan Academy

Educational Websites

-NASA
-National Geographic Kids
-TIME for Kids

Family Research

How Stuff Works
(this is geared at older children but can be used with an adult as some great content)

Reading Websites

- Online Stories
- Stories for Kids
- Oxford Owl (you need to register for a free account)
- Reading Eggs (paid)

others

coming soon

Website Descriptions

There are hundreds of websites available for your children to access. Below, are just a few of my top ones and how to start teaching your child how to search effectively. Please get in contact if you want information on any other apps / websites in particular. Or have a look at Common Sense Media that gives great overviews of Media for children.

Search Engines:

Google: As an adult, Google is the site we predominantly use. I often advocate for children to use child-friendly search engines(see below) but I think it is important to actually teach them how to search effectively anywhere(see above.) Google is a great resource, especially when children learn how to start to identify what is credible, relevant and child-friendly.

Kiddle: is a 'safe visual search engine for children.' It is a good place to teach children about websites that are appropriate. For example looking at what the URL is; does it end in .edu .gov?  (Step 3. Delve)

DK Find Out: Created by Dorling Kindersley Limited (famous for children's books.) This is a fantastic interactive site that I really enjoy using as a first platform for children to search about their areas of interest.

Duck Duck Go: Similar to Google but states that they don't track you / keep any person information. Good to use to have a discussion with children about different sites.

Kidrex: (now powered by a company that sells home alarms! - So a little sceptical) I've used previously with children and was a good search engine.

Educational Websites:

Nasa: Amazing resource for anything Space related. The Kids' Club is a great place for children to explore. I really like their interactive solar system to find out information about all the planets.
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/our-solar-system/overview/
https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

National Geographic Kids: A fantastic resource that can engage children for hours and a huge range of information. It also includes quizzes, games and videos.

TIME for Kids: It is targeted at different age levels for children with a host of news articles that are relevant. It is based in the US, so many articles are around US topics but some world issues included. 

Reading Websites:

Online Stories: A great resource of actors reading storybooks to children with beautiful illustrations. It is a good way for your child to listen to stories, especially if you are cooking dinner or busy on another task! 

Stories for Kids: Another online resource of storybooks read aloud with illustrations. It can be searched by age range. 

Oxford Owls: A British site that has a huge range of online e-books and games for children to participate in. You need to register for a free account for your child.

Maths Websites:

Khan Academy: The most incredible resource! A FREE website that explains concepts. Originally maths but has expanded to include other topics such as science, arts and reading. Each video and activity provides clear step by step explanation of a topic. It is also a great resource for parents who are unsure of how maths concepts are currently taught in schools.

Family Research:

How Stuff Works: If your child is incredibly inquisitive and always keen to learn more than this is a great website. It is aimed more at older children (secondary and up) but if used with an adult it can be used as a great resource. The language might need to be explained on some of the concepts.

Wikipedia: I believe that if children use this alongside other sources it can be a great tool. They need to understand how it is created and that not everything on there is 100% factual and to cross-reference with other reputable sites.

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