Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
By Dana Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Useful education tool, but games won't wow kids.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this website.
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What’s It About?
With a cartoon Ben Franklin as your guide, BEN'S GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR KIDS is easy to navigate and clearly organized by grade level. One click on Ben's age-appropriate kite takes kids to links about historic documents, government symbols, the election process, and more. A list of government-sponsored sites points kids toward more specific info on additional topics like environmental protection and immigration. There's also a games section, where kids can color, play word games, figure out mazes, or match states on a map.
Is It Any Good?
This nonpartisan site isn't heavy on bells and whistles, but it's rich in information about the ins and outs of federal government and citizenship. The plain graphics, simple games, and lengthy text make this U.S. Government Printing Office-sponsored site a fine place for students, parents, and teachers to go for information, but not necessarily for entertainment.
Some games repeat throughout the grade levels, and a few are too rudimentary to interest most kids older than 12. Explanations of how bills and laws are created, why the nation needs a government, and what government agencies do in the community are clear but dry and, therefore, may not wow most gradeschoolers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why some of the historic documents posted on the site, such as the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation, are important.
Families can also discuss how learning about the government can help kids and families be active citizens. How does knowing about the government help us make positive changes in our country?
Website Details
- Subjects: Social Studies: citizenship, government, Language & Reading: reading comprehension, text analysis
- Skills: Self-Direction: academic development, personal growth, Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, part-whole relationships
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: History
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: November 4, 2015
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