 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ben's Guide to Government for Kids
Common Sense Media says
Valuable education tool, but games won't wow kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this site is the U.S. Government Printing Office's educational online outreach for grades K to 12. The nonpartisan, text-heavy site provides tutorials and games on all branches of U.S. government, history, states, and symbols. It's informative, but amusing enough that kids will actually enjoy learning things. Parents and teachers may have to help younger kids sift through the lengthy information and read them only the most relevant parts.
What's it about?
With a cartoon Ben Franklin as your guide, BEN'S GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR KIDS is easy to navigate and clearly organized by grade level, and there's a separate section for parents and teachers. One click on Ben's age-appropriate kite will bring you to links about historic documents, government symbols, the election process, and more. One of the most useful things on this site is the list with links of all government-sponsored sites for kids. It points kids toward more specific information on just about anything in government from environmental protection and law enforcement to health and immigration. There's also a games section, where kids can color, play word games, figure out mazes, or match states on a map either online or offline by printing them out.
Is it any good?
This nonpartisan site isn't heavy on bells and whistles, but it's rich in information about the ins and outs of federal government and citizenship. The plain graphics, simple games, and lengthy text make this U.S. Government Printing Office-sponsored site a great place for students, parents, and teachers to go for information, but not necessarily for entertainment.
Some games repeat throughout the grade levels, and a few are too rudimentary to interest most kids older than 12. Explanations of how bills and laws are created, why the nation needs a government, and what government agencies do in the community are clear but dry and, therefore, may not wow most gradeschoolers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why some of the historic documents posted on the site, such as the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation, are important. Families can also discuss how learning about the government can help kids and families be active citizens. How does knowing about the government help us make positive changes in our country?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
September 2, 2009
AGE
this hole site is great
love this site and so do my kids
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
September 11, 2010
AGE
I LIKE IT SO FAR I HAVE NOT LOOKED AT IT A HOLE LOT?
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 7 years old
October 3, 2011
AGE
...click...
does this site have to have the word sex
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Genre: | Educational |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already visited it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
