CofC Weblog for EHHP Faculty
Vocab Ahead: Learning ACT and SAT vocab by video. Vocab Ahead also gives teachers the ability to create custom playlists of vocabulary videos. The playlists can be shared via email, a posted link on a blog, or by posting a vocabulary video widget on a blog or website.
Bubba Brain: Review games with AP and SAT vocabulary.
Flashcard Flash: A search engine that searches twenty-two different flashcard services including Flashcard DB, Quizlet, and Study Stack.
Using publishers ABC, NBC, Fox, AP, and AFP, mapeas maps the most representative video news around the world. View the map and click on the circles to see the video news. The larger the circle, the more recent the news video. Good for current events.
The entire World Wide Web can be seen as an informational ad reference source. But when it comes to kids, the nature of content presents a challenge of comprehension. You cannot tell a kid to go to Wikipedia and find out about “plastics” for instance. Well, he or she can, but a phrase like “semi-synthetic organic amorphous solids” would be beyond the grade level of many kids.
To revise the information to the level of a child’s knowledge requires effort on the part of the teacher or the parent. So, right here, let’s introduce ourselves to five free online encyclopedias which have simplified explanations of deeper topics.
The five online encyclopedias also help the parent or the teacher to free the kids to do their own browsing and research. Wouldn’t it be great if your kids could complete their homework without your handholding?
Simple English Wikipedia defines ‘plastics’ in much simpler words. The explanation is of course, not as detailed as its full blown version, but it is more basic for a child to grasp.
The online reference source is running around 64,555 articles right now in alphabetized categories. Simple English Wikipedia uses simple English words, grammar, and shorter sentences. Just like its big brother it also is available in many languages and you can note the number of articles available under each on the landing page itself.
Use the search bar or drill down the Knowledge Groups to search for topics. Similarly, other tools that come under Print/Export are also available.
A Yahoo search taps into the 52,000 entries and 84,000 cross linked references brought together by Columbia University Press. Yahoo Kids is a good enough homework help site with tools like a World Factbook, dictionary, a Q& A service, and small sections on science and animals etc.
The most direct way to access the encyclopedia is to use the search bar. The information contains further links which can take you deeper into related areas. The language according to the target audience is pretty basic.
The child pleasing interface of Fact Monster includes an almanac, a dictionary, a thesaurus, and an encyclopedia, along with other homework aids. This child friendly site is a part of Infoplease.com, the reference portal. Fact Monster also uses the database of the Columbia Encyclopedia.
You can use the search bar or browse by subject. Each subject covers a range of sub-topics. The information is brief and to the point. You can also tap into the Almanac which gives a lot of space to topics on science, math, and world facts.
Kids.Net.au is actually an Australian ‘not for profit’ kids safe portal run by a team of volunteers. The seven year old site has an encyclopedia among other informational tools. With one million articles on a variety of topics, the site is a good place to visit if you want child-safe and easy to understand information.
The Library of Congress as a reference site for children sounds a bit odd. But the world’s largest library has to be a great melting pot of knowledge. And the child won’t get lost as it has a separate online section for kids and families. If you want to know about American history for instance, this is a great starting point. Click on America’s Library and you get to read America’s Story and learn about the people and events that forged the nation. The America’s Library sub-site is filled with interesting facts, and to get an overview of all that, read the Welcome page.
While compiling this small list, I did not find many free encyclopedias for children with blanket coverage on a variety of topics. These five though stand up to the task adequately enough. But you might have to go back to the search engines for more in-depth information or you can also try out these tips on researching for homework.
Can you add your favorite to this list of free online encyclopedias if it’s not among the ones mentioned here?
Image: Shutterstock
(By) Saikat is a techno-adventurer in a writer’s garb. When he is not scouring the net for tech news, you can catch him on his personal blog ruminating about the positves in our world.
5 Homework Tips for Teachers and Parents
From Tips, Tools, and Technology
by Amanda Kenuam
The first few weeks of school are behind you. That honeymoon period is winding down. It’s about time for Open House and/or Meet the Teacher Night. Your students’ parents, guardians and family are sure to ask you about homework.
“How much? How often? How can I help?”
These are 5 homework tips for teachers and parents. They will help teachers equip parents and guardians with the tools to make homework time meaningful and successful.
Establish a Routine and Schedule
Set a specific time and place for homework and stick to the schedule as much as possible. Do not let your student wait until the evening to get started with homework. Limit distractions during homework time including unnecessary noise, activity, and phone calls. Your student should not be watching TV while completing homework or reading. These activities can take place after homework time or as a reward for completion.
Let Go and Let Learn
Assist your child in getting started with assignments by reading directions together or assisting him or her with the first problem, then leave. You can monitor and give feedback without doing all the work together. Your child should attempt as much of the homework as possible independently. It is also not your responsibility to correct your child’s homework or to ensure that your child turns in a perfect assignment. These errors are critical for a teacher in determining remediation, adjusting lessons, etc.
Help Your Student Organize
While it is preferred that your student takes as much responsibility as possible with homework, it might be necessary at times to help your child stay organized and on top of assignments and dates. Help your student divide assignments into smaller, more manageable parts, especially long-range homework assignments. For the first few weeks of school supervise that completed work leaves home in a neat and organized manner. Another way you can be involved is to help him or her plan study sessions and study for tests or quizzes.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise your child when he or she puts forth good efforts. Offer incentives for good grades and homework completion. If your student struggles to complete homework, consider agreeing on a homework contract to motivate your child. For example, “If you turn in all your work with good effort this week, you will earn …” These incentives do not need to cost money. They could be as simple as a family movie night with the movie of their choice, or any cost-free activities your student enjoys. Model a love of learning and reading with your student daily. Also be sure to schedule regular times throughout the week to go to the local library.
Seek Help when Necessary
Do not force your child to spend an excessive amount of time on homework. If he or she is struggling feel free to send a note to the teacher. The teacher needs to be aware of your student’s frustration levels as well as the amount of time it takes your student to complete tasks. Often, your teacher can plan remediation or set your child up with the appropriate tutoring services if needed. Also make sure your child has the number of a study buddy from the class to call for clarification of homework assignments.
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