 | 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. |
National Geographic Little Kids
Common Sense Media says
Stories and activities introduce the world to preschoolers.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this preschooler-friendly site provides a variety of games, activities and videos and encourages exploration of the world and nature. Like its companion print magazine (National Geographic Little Kids), this site gives little kids a safe spot to learn about animals, geography, and science. Its simple games and activities include easy-to-follow audio instructions that even the tiniest visitor can follow and enjoy, though younger users may need some assistance from an adult. There’s plenty on this easy-to-navigate site to keep kids interested, but not so much that it’ll be hard to pry them away.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn a little about animals, geography, and science through videos and various do-at-home activities. Interactive games on the site lack a strong learning component, but kids can improve fine motor skills and computer proficiency as they drag and drop seeds to plant a friendship garden, or help a dolphin family find their friends in a maze. A smattering of hands-on, do-at-home learning opportunities include recipes and some simple science experiments. Learning is mostly passive on this entertaining, well-intentioned nature site.
Subjects
- Arts
- Hobbies
- Language & Reading
- Math
- Scienceplants, weather
- Social Studiesevents, geography, global awareness
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Developmentidentifying emotions
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningasking questions, investigation
What's it about?
Like its companion print magazine (National Geographic Little Kids), this preschooler-friendly site offers a variety of games, activities and videos. Content is primarily entertaining, but also encourages exploration and understanding of the world, nature, and other cultures. Age-appropriate activities cover a lot of ground, from science experiments to simple recipes to crafts and coloring pages.
Is it any good?
National Geographic Little Kids offers the youngest users a place of their own to explore the world. A series of videos featuring cuddly animals shows how animal parents act similarly to human parents. Kids will find clips and games from the popular Toot & Puddle characters (from the children’s books and Nickelodeon series) entertaining. Kids can plant a friendship garden by dragging and dropping seeds or help a dolphin family find their friends in a maze.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what is an appropriate amount of time to spend playing around on the Web. Why is it important to explore the world outside your backdoor as well as the world inside your computer? Are there other ways you can you learn about the world without being in front of a screen?
Why it’s important to only visit Web sites like this with your parents’ permission. Even though it’s fun to explore and play on the Internet, it’s never too early to start learning how to play it safe online.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn a little about animals, geography, and science through videos and various do-at-home activities. Interactive games on the site lack a strong learning component, but kids can improve fine motor skills and computer proficiency as they drag and drop seeds to plant a friendship garden, or help a dolphin family find their friends in a maze. A smattering of hands-on, do-at-home learning opportunities include recipes and some simple science experiments. Learning is mostly passive on this entertaining, well-intentioned nature site.
Subjects
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science: plants, weather
- Social Studies: events, geography, global awareness
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development: identifying emotions
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: asking questions, investigation
How kids will learn
Kids can watch various videos about animals and several informative series devoted to exposing kids to nature, wildlife, and the world around them. When kids attempt a simple science experiment at home or prepare a recipe for "blue goo," they follow directions and actively participate in the learning process. On the whole, though, learning is limited a handful of nature videos, some Toot & Puddle animated episodes, and a series of videos that follow real siblings as they explore other cultures.
How parents can help
- Compare and contrast the different cultures showcased in the videos. Discuss how kids around the world are both similar and different.
- Assist kids with science experiments and at-home activities to reinforce their interest in science, geography, or other topics.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 9 years old
November 15, 2011
AGE
great lerning
i like to learn so this is the perfect thing for me.it can tell you all about animals and has good games. this website will make your kid happy.
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| Genre: | Educational |
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