Moshi Monsters - social networking for kids with puzzles

Completing the Daily Puzzle on Moshi Monsters

I was resistant at first when my boys came home from school wanting to play Moshi Monsters as it looks like it will require a subscription, but I've come to find it a very useful - and free - resource for my children.  

Children adopt a virtual monster when they register, which they then need to take care of by feeding, playing and dressing it. The game requires players to earn 'rox' which are then spent on anything you need. Most rox are earned by completing puzzles, and this is the most valuable part of the game. Kids can't just do the easy ones over and over they have to try all sorts of activities.

Example of a puzzle in the Daily Challenge to earn Rox

Children who can't read will need a fair amount of help to understand the puzzles, but should be able to complete them on their own once they can read independently or are familiar enough with the puzzle formats.

100 Rox is enough to buy an item of clothing or a few treats for your monster

The game also has a social networking aspect, you can become friends with other monsters and leave notes on their walls. This all seems very safe, and all messages need approval by your child before they appear on the wall.

There are aspects of the game that require membership, but so far my boys have been more than entertained with the options available for free.

Schoolhouse Rock on YouTube - times tables made fun

I remember the Schoolhouse Rock videos from my childhood (in the US) and am now happy to replay them to my own children as an excellent way of practising our times tables at home in a fun and musical way.

Starting with "Elementary my dear" for the two times table:




Introducing the two times table using a Noah's Ark analogy (without too much emphasis on the Bible story!). I like the way the song challenges the children by demonstrating MUCH larger calculations and how easy it is to break up the numbers.

If you like this, explore the other Schoolhouse Rock number/times table videos:
My Hero, Zero (0)
Three is the magic number (3)
The Four Legged Zoo (4)
Ready of Not, Here I Come (5)
Got Six (6)
Lucky Seven Sampson (7)
Figure Eight (8)
Naughty Number Nine (9)

ABC Wildlife (iPad application)

ABC Wildlife on the iPad by Peapod labs

The iPad is a great device for kids; because of their developing motor skills, the larger size interface and screen is perfect for them.

This week I let the kids loose on a new game called ABC Wildlife. There is an extremely easy, pleasing interface linking together a range of flickr images and YouTube videos of various animals. Their is a strong focus on choosing the initial letter for the animal, and there seem to be around 4 or more animals for each letter of the alphabet (apart from those tricky letters at the end!)

I am always concerned about letting my children loose on YouTube, but these videos have been specially selected for suitability, and there are no links at the end of the film to tempt them off into related (and unrelated!) material I haven't censored.

It's currently £1.79 from the UK app store, which may seem a lot for a collection of flickr images and YouTube videos, but I believe the interface and focus on spelling makes it a very compelling choice for children learning earl reading.

My 6 year old heartily recommends the elephant video...enjoy!

Key Stage 1 Literacy - BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize - Literacy games for Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7, years 1-2)

As you would expect from the BBC, a really useful set of interactive games designed to support your 5-7 year old in their literacy education.

These 9 games cover synonyms, punctuation, sentence construction, phonics, rhyming, alphabetical order, spelling, pronouns and conjunctions. Most of the games feature pirates or cowboys or some kid on activity (e.g. Kung-Fu to help construct sentences!) so particularly appealing to my boys.

I particularly like the fact the easiest level is labelled "medium" - psychologically, my 6 year old feels he's really achieved something to do the medium level. Lots of feedback means the child understands their progress, but this is one set of games that probably benefits from working with an adult to help explain the instructions and maintain focus. A good one to include with any home reward system - complete the hard level to earn a treat for example.

The Gruffalo

http://www.gruffalo.com

The official Gruffalo website has some excellent interactive games and downloadable activities for little ones. You need a reasonable computer to run the flash games.

The game pictured above allows you to click on the animals and get various audio responses and animations - perfect for ages 3 or 4. Then there are some literacy games like the Witch on the Broom for slightly older kids.

Alphablocks

Alphablocks - literacy games and videos from CBeebies

This is the website that supports the tv programme (currently airing immediately after Bob the Builder). The programme supports the phonics work at school, so ideal for reception children (ages 4/5) but the games are all 'anagram-style' and are enjoyed by children in years 2 and 3 (up to age 7).

For younger children just learning their letters or less familiar with a mouse, the games can be controlled by an adult, and each feature one of the 3 minute video segments (as aired on tv) which kids all seem to enjoy.

The 'magic e' is a particular favourite in this house (he puts on a black cloak and mask when he becomes the silent e).

About BubblyBus

BubbleBus was set up in May 2010 as a way to help parents find good web resources to help their children learn and play online.

By getting children to test each of the sites we share we can help you choose appropriate resources for your child's age and ability (use the links on the side of the page).

BubblyBus is run by Katie and Helen - with over 30 years of educational experience (and four children) between them they feel qualified to share these resources with you - and invite you to share your resources with the BubblyBus community.

Katie & Helen