Think Like a Teacher

Teachers use a variety of materials to drive a concept home. Many teachers find these materials—such as workbooks, flashcards, games, and curriculum guides—at local education supply stores.

Use the Internet

Resources for Parents: There are hundreds of websites that offer teachers quick and easy access to lesson ideas, worksheets, and learning experiences that can be printed and used immediately. Parents can just as easily make use of these resources. Some websites that teachers love include ABC Teach (http://abcteach.com), A to Z Teacher Stuff (http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/), and Busy Teachers Café (http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/).

Resources for Kids: There are numerous interactive websites dedicated to helping children learn, practice, and master concepts. Many sites are free and, with parental supervision, children can access them whenever they wish. Check out some of the following websites for fun ways to supplement your child's education :

• Funbrain (http://www.funbrain.com/): An excellent online destination for kids, this site provides a variety games for different subject areas. Parents can also create quizzes that their children can take online.
• Primary Games (http://www.primarygames.com/): You'll find lots of games on this website to reinforce concepts taught in school. There are also online stories and activities available for children to work on.
• The Yuckiest Site on the Internet(http://yucky.kids.discovery.com/): This comprehensive resource with the funny name is wonderful for kids interested in science.
• Yahooligans (http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/): Yahooligans is an entire search engine dedicated to kids.

If you're willing to pay a small subscription fee, the following websites offer tutorials, activities, online lessons, and other academic experiences:

• Enchanted Learning (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html): This classroom favorite presents stories, information, worksheets, references, and much more on subjects ranging from reading to science.
• Teach R Kids Math (http://www.teachrkids.com/): This math tutorial website offers self-paced lessons, online quizzes, and fun math-learning experiences. Your child proceeds at her own pace through the curriculum.
• Brainpop! (http://www.brainpop.com/): Brainpop is a unique teaching resource that offers funny, interesting, and engaging educational videos on a plethora of topics. Many educators subscribe to this website to enhance their teaching. Brainpop offers family subscriptions, too.