Tools for this page
Print
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Outstanding learn-to-read site sure to engage little ones.

On this site kids can:   be read to, do activities, play games
updated 09.09.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Screen-sized pages with large, easily clickable arrows make the site easily navigable for kids, allowing them a certain amount of autonomy in learning to read (although parents should always sit with kids while they're on the computer).
  • User-created content:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Kids will get positive messages about reading through the names of sections (It's Fun to Read and I'm Reading), smiling faces, and the diversity of reading material.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Online store but no ads within kids' content.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Not an issue.
  • Online interaction:

    Not an issue.
  • Parental controls:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Starfall

Parents need to know that this reading site offers a wide range of materials and activities for kids to choose from that should help them learn (and love) to read. There is no advertising on this site, although supplemental educational materials may be purchased at the online store. Families who visit this site will discover that learning to read can be fun for all ages.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about Starfall?
  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 21 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • User content is age appropriate

    Great for parent and child together, learning to read.

    My son is 3 years old, and he really loves this site! He has always been enthralled with letters, so this is a perfect step towards reading for him. Each one of the 'books' has clickable words that sound them out so he can start to get the hang of that. However, it doesn't actually 'read' the pages to him. He much prefers the little movies and lessons along the way. This is definitely a website that younger children will love, but it is one that the parent needs to do with the child. Plus, there are fun little surprises if you click on the characters in the story pages!

  2. I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0

    One of the best sites around

    My children (4 & 6) love this site - and so do I. It's fun, interactive and educational. One of the best sites around.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    We Love It!

    I have a daycare and love this site for children ages 2 up to whatever! It has an ABC section that is easy enough for my 2 and 3 year olds to use and enjoy, but also offers much more for the older kids learning how to read!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name