English as a Second Language Websites for Children

Benefits of English as Second Language Websites for Children

One of the most important benefits of ESL websites for children is that many are interactive. Interaction with language concepts can help children learn and remember more effectively. Another benefit of language websites is that games and activities may repeat the same concepts in different formats. The children remain interested because of the different platforms, and the increased repetition builds a stronger language foundation. Children also view websites as a source of entertainment, making web-based activities a fun method for teachers and parents to help their ESL children learn English.

ESL websites for students may have many valuable resources, including:

• Interactive games and activities
• Interactive stories
• Online quizzes
• Children's vocabulary videos
• Printable worksheets
• Printable flashcards

Finding the Best English Learning Websites for Children

Evaluating English learning websites for ESL students is important, not only in terms of age appropriate content and for excessive or inappropriate advertising, but also in terms of what skills the websites are teaching or reinforcing. Sites that are too easy will not challenge the student, but sites that are too difficult may make the child overwhelmed or frustrated. The best websites are typically websites designed by or with the help of ESL educators or reputable language organizations.

ESL Websites for Children

English as a second language websites for children can help build vocabulary, teach correct spelling and pronunciation of words, and assist with basic grammar such as understanding sentence structure, parts of speech, tenses, and singular and plural word forms. English learning websites for children include:

• ESL Kid is an organized website that serves as a comprehensive directory of English as a second language resources for children, teachers, and parents. Separate balloons contain categories for different subjects, such as ABC games, dictionary, spelling, literature, and music. Since this is a directory, parents should help children navigate the site.
• MES Games has several categories of interactive games. Some games are more suited to younger children and beginning learners, such as the vocabulary building games in which players must first listen to a spoken word and then identify the correct items. More advanced children will enjoy online sport games based on grammar concepts that have written multiple choice questions.
• ESL Kids Lab has many resources for helping children learn English as a second language. These include free video English lessons categorized by grade level, ideas for games, and printable worksheets. The downside of this website is that it does contain a substantial amount of advertisements.
• ESL Kid Stuff has a variety of resources, including a list of select online English learning games and song lyric sheets. Downloading worksheets and flashcards requires a yearly membership fee, however.
• English Interactive lets children and beginning ESL students click on words to hear their pronunciation and build essential vocabulary skills. After viewing the words, students can try an interactive quiz.
• English Vocabulary Games has a variety of interactive games designed to help ESL children build vocabulary.

An Additional Note on English Learning Websites

Although there are many websites that are designed for students learning English as a second language, first language English websites for children may also have valuable resources as well. Many concepts -- such as the alphabet, letter sounds, vocabulary, opposites, word pronunciations, and meanings are new to native English speakers. Even thought they are not designated English as a second language websites for children, teachers and parents may find many of the activities suitable and helpful. For example:

• Fisher Price Early Phonics Game lets children see letters and hear letter sounds to build an understanding of phonetic relationships.
• Sesame Street Workshop has several games that may be appropriate for use with ESL students, such as letter recognition, basic greetings, and basic vocabulary such as body parts and classroom items.
• PBS Kids offers many language arts and English skill games based on popular public television shows for children.
• Dositey Games has several options in spelling, vocabulary building, and grammar that may be suitable for ESL students.

Resources

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