Posts Tagged ‘stories’

« Older Entries

Virtual Tour of the Museum of Web Art

January 19th, 2013

Hi!  It’s Saturday, January 19, 2013 and time for Art at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

MOWA

Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, with adult supervision)

The Museum of Web Art sponsors this website that offers a free virtual tour of online galleries and exhibits featuring artistic renderings created for websites, along with a Kid’s Wing featuring interactive games and stories.

When you get to the site, simply follow the directions and once you’ve entered the virtual museum, click on the “continue” button (located in the upper right corner of each page) to explore:

*Gateways – See an exhibit of artistic “splash pages” or opening pages of a few websites.

*Wallpaper Exhibit  – See textile designs for web pages from decorative to functional.

*Buttons Exhibit – See examples of a few fun , interactive buttons installed on websites.

*Installations Exhibit – Enjoy examples of interactive designs on websites.

*Kids Wing – Play some interactive games and puzzles, and read some interactive stories.

This is not an extensive website and it seems a bit dated. Frankly, in my web explorations, I’ve seen better examples of art blending with technology than those featured at this site. Nevertheless, it’s a simple way to introduce the concept of the art-tech connection, and the kids will enjoy playing the games. 

No comments »

Posted in art

Tags:

Free Game & Curriculum Teach the War of 1812!

January 17th, 2013

Hi! It’s Thursday, January 17, 2012 and time for Social Sciences at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

Hold the Fort!

Age Range: 9-14 (about grades 4-8, with parental supervision)

A Maryland ClickScholar suggested this website, sponsored by The National Park Service and Fort McHenry National Historic Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, that provides a free interactive, multi-media game and free curriculum to teach students about the War of 1812.

When you get to the website, you’ll see a menu that includes: information about the game, a preview video of the game, game screenshots, and the history of the War of 1812. If you click on “About the History” you’ll find a link to “Teacher Resources” provided by the Friends of Fort McHenry with free downloadable lessons for grades 4-8.

I highly suggest reading “About the Game” to understand the nuances of play. This game takes about 45-75 minutes to play, depending on how quickly you maneuver your player, and how well you prepare and command your troops at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. You’ll engage in a variety of activities that will determine the outcome of the battle including:

  • Lead and inspire 1000 men under your command!
  • Manage fort resources to survive the long day and night!
  • Explore a 3D virtual world of the fort!
  • Play the Fife & Drum and command a Gun Battery!
  • And of course, fly the flag!

The goal of the game is to protect Fort McHenry from invasion by British troops, inspiring a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner.

No comments »

Posted in social sciences

Tags:

Fun with Homonyms & More!

January 16th, 2013

Hi! It’s Wednesday, January 16, 2013 and time for Language Arts at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

Homonym Game

Age Range: All (with parental supervision, non-readers will need assistance)

ClickScholar Nicole suggested this site – and it’s a hoot! A father named Dave and his six-year-old son Isaac collaborated to create this free game to challenge your knowledge of homonyms, homophones, and puns.

As explained at the website, “Homonyms are words with the same sound and spelling but different meanings. Homophones are words with the same sound but different spellings and meanings. Puns are homonyms and homophones that are funny.”

When you get to the site, you’ll see a brief introduction. Just click on the words, “Click here to Start” and the game begins. Essentially, you look at the pictures and read the rhymes for clues to guess the right homonym, homophone, or word that solves each puzzle. The original illustrations are pure whimsy, and the rhymes are pretty “punny.” LOL.

I tried about 12 or 13 puzzles for this review. I’m not sure how many are there in total, so if you visit the site and get to the end, let me know how many are there.

To learn more about the creators, Dave and Isaac (and see their picture), click on “Info” on the menu bar at the bottom of each page.

This is just too cute for words. Maybe it will inspire you and your kids to design some entertaining learning games too.

No comments »

Posted in language arts

Tags:

‘Gingerbread Man’ Stories for All Ages!

December 12th, 2012

Hi! It’s Wednesday, December 12, 2012 and time for Language Arts at ClickSchooling.

The aroma of gingerbread is in the air! Here are some free, online versions of the classic tale, The Gingerbread Man.

Recommended Websites:

Age Range:  Varies (with parental supervision)

Speakaboos.com: The Gingerbread Man

Watch a free, delightful animation of the classic story of The Gingerbread Man, read by John Krasinski.

Topmarks Education: The Traditional Gingerbread Man Story 

Read another interactive, online version of the traditional tale of The Gingerbread Man.

Jan Brett’s Audio-Visual Version of The Gingerbread Baby

Gather the family around the computer for a treat! You can watch a film of beloved children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett reading her story, The Gingerbread Baby.  Not only that, she offers lots of arts and crafts activity pages themed around The Gingerbread Baby as well as her other book titles.  When you’re through watching the video, simply click on “Home Page” at the bottom of the video screen. When the Home Page opens, use the horizontal menu at the top of the page and click on  “Activities” to access all of the fun!

The Annotated Gingerbread Man

You can read an annotated version of the classic tale, The Gingerbread Man, at this website. Learn all about this history of this tale.  See various illustrations and books about “The Gingerbread Man.”  Use the menu on the left side of your screen to discover similar stories from other cultures – such as The Runaway Pancake, The Johnny Cake, and more.

No comments »

Posted in language arts

Tags:

Free Marine Science Videos, Lessons, & More!

November 27th, 2012

Hi! It’s Tuesday, November 27, 2012 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

Jonathan Bird’s Blue World

Age Range: All (This was designed for students in grades 6-8, but there is something of educational value and entertainment for everyone, with parental supervision.)

Jonathan Bird’s Blue World website is an offshoot of a PBS television series by the same name. The website offers free “webisodes” of the underwater science/adventure series online for free WITHOUT advertising – and it’s all accompanied by free study guides and classroom lessons and activities based on National Science Standards (that can be tweaked for home use by families).

The idea is to generate interest in protecting the underwater world by increasing awareness of this realm and the creatures that live there. The episodes and learning materials are packed with information and presented in a way that makes marine biology fun to learn.

When you get to the site, you’ll see a sliding display that highlights current features. (I watched a fascinating, 7-minute video on “Sea Snakes,” one of the ocean’s most venomous critters.) Use the menu at the top of the screen that includes:

*Watch Webisodes – View about 75 different videos covering topics such as coral spawning, dolphins, learning to scuba dive, shark biology, crustaceans, venomous fish, sea turtles, stingrays, killer clams, sea cows, whales, and much more. You’ll also find “Extras” that include interviews with cameramen, videos on tools of the trade, etc. While all of the webisodes offer downloadable study guides, in the “Curriculum Based” section, you’ll find six videos (so far) that also offer free, downloadable lesson plans.

*Behind The Scenes – Meet underwater cinematographer Jonathan Bird and the rest of his award-winning science and research team. Peruse a “Photo Gallery,” read “Sea Stories” about incidents that occur behind the scenes, and explore “Other Resources” that contain links to educational websites.

*For Educators – Access the free Study Guides and Lesson Plans. Learn about National Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and find a direct link to the “Curriculum Based” webisodes.

This is a terrific learning resource that the whole family will find educational and entertaining!

No comments »

Posted in science

Tags:

Free Music Games & Activities!

November 10th, 2012

Hi! It’s Saturday, November 10, 2012 and time for Music at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

New York Philharmonic Kidzone

Age Range: All (with parental supervision)

Gather the family around the computer and turn on the sound to listen and learn all about the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra! You’ll learn about every facet of the symphony orchestra (and even music composition) through incredible games and activities.

When you get to the site you’ll see an animated picture of a symphony concert hall. Place your cursor over each person or thing in the picture and you’ll see some text identifying a menu item. The menu includes:

*Composer’s Gallery – Meet over 60 composers, read their bios, and listen to their music.

*Games Room – Play games to learn about instruments, music theory, composers and more.

*Dressing Rooms – Take a virtual trip to the backstage dressing rooms to meet renown conductors, musicians, and singers.

*Musician’s Lounge – Read interviews with the musicians of the orchestra and find out how they got their jobs.

*Instrument Storage Room – Discover every instrument of the orchestra including brass, string, woodwind, and percussion.

*Composition Workshop – Create your own minuet and other compositions. Find out what it sounds like when different instruments play the same piece of music. Learn about some kid-composers.

*Instrument Lab – Get free instructions for creating home-made instruments using common materials. Make a French Horn, Trombone, Kazoo, Bassoon, Guitar, Xylophone and more!

*Newsstand – Read stories and learn about music around the world.

*Videos – Watch videos of open rehearsals and musicians playing various orchestra instruments.

Click on the topic of interest and a new page opens featuring a multi-media treat for the senses! Bookmark this one to return often.

No comments »

Posted in music

Tags: