 | 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. |
Word Central
Common Sense Media says
Kid-friendly definitions make site a great reference.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Word Central is an educational site that offers a full children's dictionary, word games, and daily buzzwords. The exercises included on this site give kids an opportunity to better their vocabulary and to learn about the origin of language. Word Central does a great job of catering their definitions to a younger audience and has clearly placed effort on providing appropriate terminology. A "Build Your Own Dictionary" section allows users to create their own words, parts of speech, and definitions. The only advertisements on site are promoting Merriam-Webster merchandise.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to spell, define, and discover the origin of words through interactive games and studying the dictionary. A different buzzword is offered every day, along with a short history lesson about the language it stems from. Interactive word games help kids learn the definitions and spelling of homophones. Ample opportunities for reflection help kids learn from their mistakes. Budding wordsmiths can amp up their vocabulary with this site.
Subjects
- Language & Readingletter or word recognition, reading, spelling, vocabulary
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoninganalyzing evidence, defining problems, memorization
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
Interactive crossword puzzles and games serve to expand kids' vocabulary on Merriam-Webster's Word Central. Kids spell words that are read aloud to them in games such as Alpha-bot. Robo-Bee provides cute clues and definitions kids can use to solve word puzzles. Educators will find a short list of reference books for extending reading and vocabulary acquisition from the same mother publisher.
Is it any good?
WORD CENTRAL provides a safe place where kids can create their own dictionary, look up words, and play vocabulary games without worrying about online interaction from outside sources. Users can search for words directly in the search engine or alphabetically. Also, the "Thesaurus" and "Rhyming" categories offer lists of synonyms, antonyms, and rhyming words. The "For Educators" section is a bonus that provides a short history of the English Language, a list of book distributors, and links to more educational sites.
What's disappointing about this site is that the games are very few, there isn't a whole lot to do, and the site hasn't changed in years. With an update, the site could be spectacular.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about building vocabulary. When you come across a word you don't know, do you look it up? Ask someone what it means? Skip over it?
Families can also discuss how to stay safe online.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to spell, define, and discover the origin of words through interactive games and studying the dictionary. A different buzzword is offered every day, along with a short history lesson about the language it stems from. Interactive word games help kids learn the definitions and spelling of homophones. Ample opportunities for reflection help kids learn from their mistakes. Budding wordsmiths can amp up their vocabulary with this site.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, reading, spelling, vocabulary
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, defining problems, memorization
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Kids learn vocabulary definitions and spelling through repetition and practice. A spelling game offers different levels of difficulty for players, and gives hints if words are too challenging. If kids guess the wrong answer, they'll either be allowed to keep on guessing or will be offered the right one.
How parents can help
- Create flashcards. Write a word on one end of the card and the definition on the other. Repetition helps with memorization, and hearing the words aloud helps with pronunciation.
- Play rhyming games. Pick a word and write down all the rhyming words you can think of. Then, go to the Word Central website and find the definitions for each word.
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| Genre: | Educational |
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