C.H.E.E.R.

Shidonni is a creative ‘virtual’ world. It provides a safe environment where children can create imaginary worlds and animals, play games and interact with their friends.

Shidonni offers drawing editors which are simple and fun to use. Drawing tools are added as you play and complete challenges. The drawing come to life.

The site offers many features which are added as the participant completes challenges. One activity is writing a virtual book using their drawn characters and creating a storyline.

This site caters for all ages and is a great way for children to develop computer skills and enhance their creativity. It also introduces them to email. They can send and receive messages within the game but only from friends who are added. The drawn characters can also be sent. This is a great way for children to stay in touch with friends and relatives. Even if they can't type up a message yet, they can send one of their drawings.

If you are really adventurous it is handy to use a graphic drawing pad which allows you to draw with a pen rather than a mouse.

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For P-3 years, sites based on television shows provide both education and entertainment. Children build their technology skills while developing their reading and hand eye coordination. Many sites contain games which explore a range of skills and also include videos and music. There are often free printables available which allow you to print out activities.

Here is a list of television sites suitable for children aged 4-9 years old.


ABC Kids – The Playground

The Wiggles

Playhouse Disney

Nick Jr Playtime

Nick Jr (Australia)

Nick Jr (UK)

CBeebies

Bo on the Go

Pinky Dinky Doo

Word World

PBS Kids

Tree House TV

Disney Australia

Disney UK

BunnyTown

Nickelodeon

Cartoon Network

Reading Eggs is a great site which is educational and engaging. Suitable for beginning readers through to 8 year olds.

The site provides lessons which are fun and interactive. Each lesson builds upon reading skills. Children are motivated by collecting points and buying games with their points. They also make their way through maps and levels. Children are enteratained with games, great animations, stories and music.

The site also provides the parents and teachers with a graph documenting the child’s reading success and strengths and weaknesses.

ABC Reading Eggs provides a 14 day free trial which you may be happy with or wish to subscribe after that.

Children start the program at level 1 which is good for revision. This site is also a great alternative when children are on holidays. It allows then to stay up to date with their reading.