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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Website reviews for self-direction

88 results
  • Review
    Roblox

    Great for creative gamers, this site lets kids design their own games to play and share.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2012)
  • Review
    Shockwave

    Fun, free games -- but be prepared for some product plugs.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    2
    (Website, 2012)
  • Review
    HippoCampus

    Online lectures are good for math and science review.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2012)
  • Review
    Franktown Rocks

    With music, videos, games, and a virtual world, this site rocks out.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    4
    (Website, 2012)
  • Review
    BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper

    Vast library of links a boon for kids doing online research.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    NASA's Space Place

    Site shows kids the fun in learning about science and tech.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    4
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    HowStuffWorks

    Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    2
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    BrainPOP Jr.

    Animated educational content for kids to explore, for a fee.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning
    5
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Enchanted Learning

    Not flashy, but filled with good educational activities.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Exploratorium

    Captivating site on everyday (and advanced) science topics.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Club Penguin

    Site unveils new chat tool, makes it easier to find friends.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Starfall.com

    Outstanding learn-to-read site sure to engage little ones.
    AGE
    4
     
    Learning
    5
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    ZisBoomBah

    Healthy meal planning made fun and practical for kids.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    5
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Scarleteen

    Edgy sex-ed site best suited for mature teens.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    Figment

    Teen writers express themselves on supportive social site.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2011)
  • Review
    You Are What You Read

    Reading is fun... pass it on!
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    1
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    Engineer Your Life

    Inspiring ideas about engineering careers, just for girls.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    2
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    Pocoyo World

    For fans of the bilingual cartoon Pocoyo, this virtual world offers tons of games, videos, and more.
    AGE
    3
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    Innerstar University

    Buy American Girl, play in safe, positive virtual world.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    4
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    I Was Wondering

    Girls can find great role models on smart science site.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    deviantART

    Online art gallery is creative space for older teens.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    Khan Academy

    Educational video site is an outstanding teaching tool.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    5
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    The First Thanksgiving

    Info-packed, interactive look at Pilgrim life.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2010)
  • Review
    Game Classroom

    This homework helper website ups the fun quotient for kids ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning
    3
    (Website, 2009)
  • Review
    FashionPlaytes

    Designer wannabes can embellish this site's basic designs to their heart's content -- and even buy their final designs.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    2
    (Website, 2009)