Raylit (2009) is an educational site specifically designed for 3-7 year olds (http://www.raylit.com/). When you sign up, you list the child's name and specific age in half-year increments. When the program opens, cartoon characters say the child's name and welcomes them to the fun. As the child plays each game, their name is repeated many times. The daily show runs through language, math, reading rhymes with print tracking, coloring with soothing music playing in the background, science mini-lectures with music and photographs, and healthy tidbits.
This site offers over 750 educational games and videos. There are analytical games and puzzles, music, rhymes and stories, phonics, reading and writing, math, science and knowledge videos and good habits. This program is sweet and comfortable to work in. Kids will be excited to come back and move through the next day's show.
Educators and parents can track their child's progress and fine-tune the programming offered. At the site's Parent Center, learner's profiles and progress can be viewed. Instructors can customize, track, interact and manage each child's program. There is also a quote of the day, such as, "If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" (Milton Berle) and a parenting tip, such as, "Encourage your children to invite friends home?"
I would use this site for each child in my class. I like that it is developmentally geared to recognize the difference between a 5 year-old versus a 5 and a half-year-old. I would let each child cycle through this program several times during the week so they could be exposed to the entire series over the course of their kindergarten year. This program's cartoon characters will make the learner feel connected each time they call out the child's name. The music is so soothing; the children will feel relaxed as they are exposed to sweet and kind lessons. I predict the children will talk about the lessons on the playground; the format and videos have a way of remaining with the learner.
I encourage you to visit: http://www.raylit.com/
References
[Child on a computer]. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from: Stock.xchng: http://www.sxc.hu/
This sounds really cool. I was telling my sister-in-law about it because she has triplets and it's pretty hard to work one-on-one with them. They are each 5 years old and need the help to get on track with other kids their age. I think they are behind because of all the attention they cannot individually receive. Raylit would be great for their development. I can see how elementary teachers could really take advantage of this tool. Thanks for the info Jill!
ReplyDeleteGreat! If they are talking about it outside of school, you know your doing something.
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