This is one of the best kept secrets of the kid-friendly website world. It is a subscription service, but I have to say I think for what you get it is well worth it. We are enjoying our free trial right now but when it is over, this will definitely be added to our curriculum.
What It Is
The best way to describe Edventures is that it is an online, project based learning resource. Essentially, for one account, you can sign up to ten children to use the website. (I really like this aspect because many subscription based websites charge for multiple children. That is one reason that we didn’t like Aleks.)
The children have access to a variety of features including various courses. All of the courses are project based and students keep track of their work in a variety of ways. One way is known as the Merit System in which students work through the various levels of a given course. So for example, yesterday my son signed up for chess. He learned about the pieces (he already knew this but seemed to enjoy their manner of teaching anyways), how they move, and got to design his own chess pieces based on his own theme. He is working his way through the various playing levels and will eventually learn numerous strategies.
They also have courses in computer programming, engineering projects that feature legos, knex and even some other systems, robotics courses and art courses. (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few in there.)
Some Other Neat Features
Edventures also comes with a free edmail account for your child(ren) who sign up. It is spam free, and you as the parent can monitor all incoming mail. There is also a chatroom which again, can be monitored by the registering parent. Parents also get to monitor their children’s progress via e-mail. Whenever your child completes a step to a project, he/she generally has to do a journal entry and then edventures sends you an e-mail for you to approve the work. You can also leave feedback for your child.
Some Things to Know
Prices vary depending on how long you sign up. I highly recommend starting with the free trial–because after all, it’s free–and it will give you a good idea of whether or not this is a good resource for you. I would say that because of the complexity of the projects, the site is intended for older kids. . .5th grade and up. You may also find that you have to help your child through some of the projects. However, I’m guessing your level of involvement is dependent on how old your child is. Some of the projects require additional materials like legos or k’nex, however, most of the projects we found required materials that we already had on hand.
To sign up for your free trial visit Edventures.
Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.