 | 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. |
Speakaboos
Common Sense Media says
Lots to do on storytelling site; best content will cost you.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that a paid subscription is
needed to view much of the Speakaboos content. You must enter credit card
information to receive the 14-day trial advertised on the site; at the
end of the two-week period, your card will be charged. You can also
register for a free account, which just requires you to enter your first and last name, email address, and password. However, you can view the
free site content without registering.
Is it any good?
The SPEAKABOOS site lets kids listen to stories -- ranging from
traditional fairy tales to ones about popular characters like Arthur --
read by celebrities like Nick Cannon. Kids can also sing along to
well-known tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," and play matching
and other games. The site also offers worksheets on topics such as arts
and crafts activities, coloring pages, and kid-friendly recipes. Because
words accompany the narration, the storybook section gives kids a fun
way to practice reading skills. Each story also includes suggested
reading and grade levels and lists relevant themes like fairness and
honesty.
Speakboos certainly offers kids plenty to do -- in
addition to stories and songs, its worksheets provide dozens of
activity ideas and projects. The only catch: The site's free content is
fairly limited. To access most of the activities and stories, you'll
have to shell out a monthly fee.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of reading together. Read our article Reading Rainbow Signs Off for more on keeping reading alive.
Is it better to visit a Web site to learn about reading or should you
just pick up a book? Can there be a balance between online time and
offline reading? What limits should parents set on computer time?Fairy tales can be fun to read -- but many also involve a lesson, such
as treating others with respect or being honest. What did the characters
in some of the stories you watched and listened to on the site learn?
What can you learn from their experience?If you enjoyed the stories on the site, could you write your own?
Families can discuss the creative process it takes to write a story --
from thinking of something to write about to finishing and sharing the
story.
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Good site for PK thru 1st
I liked the game section and activities very much. I also liked the stories read. The only thing I would improve is the graphics on many of these stories. I did like the Author stories that use the original illustrations. The readers were clear and animated.
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AGE
if you need 5 to sweep or do the dishes
i love this site! my only issue is it is fairly new so the content is a little sparse right now but hopefuly will expand soon...
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| Genre: | Educational |
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