Liven Up Your Language Arts

Language Arts is a core area that many homeschooling parents struggle with to make fun.  Try as we might, most textbooks and/or workbooks out there....just don't do a very good job of engaging our kids.  And sometimes, learning English can be pretty boring. 

So on those days when you are being met with groans, complaints, or a minor mutiny, it might be nice to have some fun websites on hand to help liven things up a bit.

In my cyber travels, here are are the top five Language Arts websites I've come across.  They can either be used to reinforce what your kids have already learned or teach them something new in a fun and interactive manner.  Best of all, they are all free.

#1. Grammar Ninja 

Really fun way for kids to develop a working knowledge of the parts of speech by throwing ninja stars at words. Correct answers allow you to continue, while wrong answers literally explode. Has three levels for students to work through: Beginner, Skilled, and Master.  Even has an option that allows you to play the game using a Wii console. 

 

#2. Word Dynamo 

A great program to help kids increase their English vocabulary by playing fun games. Good for kids of all ages: elementary, middle, & high school level.  Added features include: help preparing for such standardized test as:  PSAT, SAT, GRE, etc.  You can also use the website to strengthen foreign language vocabulary: French, Latin, and Spanish.

#3. Interactive Proofreading Practice

Simple website allows kids in grades 1-8 test their proofreading skills.  For each grade, the difficulty of the assignment gradually increases.  I especially like how the site teaches real world proofreading marks.

#4. VocabularySpellingCity.com

If you are looking for a way to make spelling fun, you will love this website.  Using a variety of learning activities and fun games kids can improve their spelling and increase their vocabulary.

  
A special thank you to Linda who left a comment on one of my blog posts, reminding me about this great online resource.   

#5. Discover Education - Online Videos

Collection of online videos that help with written and verbal communication skills. Content includes: grammar, composition, and the mechanics of writing.  Ages: Kindergarten to Grade 12. 

 
BONUS


For the youngest homeschoolers out there, I'd like to suggest one of the best websites I know for helping kids learn how to read. 

Starfall
Fun and interactive lessons that sequentially teaches young children to read phonetically.  Children learn the alphabet, vowels (long and short), vowel blends, silent letters, sight words, and more.  The cute little cartoon characters (like Zac the Rat) help make this an engaging website for even the youngest students.