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Duck's Alphabet (http://wordworld.com/ducksalphabet.php)

common sense media says

Fun, simple phonics games hosted by Word World character.

parents & educators say
  • 100% say it's educational
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Duck's Alphabet is a colorful, simple site for preschoolers to learn phonics pre-reading skills. Intended for the very early reader, kids need only to listen to instructions and know how to click on a mouse to be able to play. There's one main game theme on this site, which moves through all letter sounds of the alphabet and rewards kids with a printable color sheet at the end of mastering each one.

Educational value: Clear, easy, repetitive phonics lessons for young pre-readers with very little computer skills necessary to play.
Positive messages: Learning to read can be fun and simple, and it can start with easy lessons for even the youngest computer users. This site also offers ways to continue the lessons between caregiver and child offline.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Even though the site is affiliated with the US Department of Education, there is a clear tie-in with Word World, which is a PBS show with toys and other branded items for sale at major chain stores. But no direct ads here, and no way to buy merchandise via the site.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Duck's Alphabet

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about why learning to read is important (and fun). Read some of the selections on Common Sense Media's Best Books of the Decade for Preschoolers list to introduce your child to the amazing adventures of reading.

  • Talk about the difference between learning and playing online and offline.

  • What's a good amount of time to play online and why do we want to limit how much time we spend online?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

For the youngest computer users, the simple and sweet DUCK'S ALPHABET will likely help them feel successful in both website navigation and phonics skills. Many children will recognize the Word World characters, which will help ease them into trying the new skill of matching letter sounds with the letter image itself. The main page game asks kids to choose any of the 26 "gifts." With one click on one of the 26 gift-wrapped boxes, the child enters an activity space about that particular letter sound.  At the end of each lesson, one word is presented for the child to "read," increasing the level of confidence in reading for these newbies. One caveat, for kids who have some reading skills, this site may become monotonous quickly -- all the sub-games within the main game are essentially the same. There are some great offline parent-child reading readiness activities suggested here, too.

This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say it's educational
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Sunna
parent of 3 year old
3
 
Good add free website for 3 year old
My 3 year old daughter likes it. There are no adds leading her away from the page, which is a must for me. It feels like a safe space. Letter oriented, so we will see how long it holds her attention. But much is always happening, so I think she might play again.
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (12)
huanhuan
adult
15
 
Wonderful. Share a website with you , ( *ionlinemovie* ) Believe you will love it.
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
gypsywife
parent of 3 and 5 year old
4
 
My son loved the posters at the end to colour, and it re-inforced the letters that he had learned. Its great, catchy music for the kids, and although we sat with him, he was able to do it on his own
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (10)
SMWest1
educator and parent of 2 and 4 year old
3
 
Great for my 3.5-year-old!
My 3.5-year-old loves Word World and loves the computer. I feel safe letting him play around on this site. He LOVES it!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (9)

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