Has Text Replaced Spelling? Online Games to Help Teach Kids to Spell

With this generation being the texting generation it’s more important than ever that they learn to spell words correctly.  There are many different ways to do this, but the most fun are online games.  It’s more fun than just rote memorization.

Check out 10 online games that help kids spell.

1. www.spellingcity.com: This is a great site with at least 25 games related to spelling and grammar.  This site allows you to type in your child’s spelling list from school and then it will use that list in all of the games.  There’s a straight spelling test that allows you to see if they are learning the words or not.  Then there’s a game like hang man, matching games, speed games and many more.  There are even crossword puzzles that you can play.  
2. www.kidsspell.com:  Some very interesting and different games on this site.  There’s one called Farkle Frog that is just like Frogger and the frog jumps through traffic and onto logs and then jumps on the letters to spell the words.  There’s a city called Miaopia where balloons go when they are released by humans and you create your own character and then find letters and unscramble them to spell words.  This world is extensive and when you learn you earn coins and then you are able to go to the store and buy clothes and things for your online self.  This world is elaborate and has earth science, math as well as history lessons.
3. www.funbrain.com/spell/: This site does not allow you to put in your own list, but it does give your child various lists so they can just play and practice spelling.  Spellaroo features a kangaroo and you click on the misspelled words in the sentence.  When you get finished you can go to the land of the joeys and play.  This site has math and reading as well as other fun games on it.  The arcade games are particularly fun.
4. www.spellingbeethegame.com: This will challenge even an adult so if your child is a very accomplished speller this site is the place to send them.  Strange words are used such as zuuzuu and kraal. 
5. gamequarium.com/spelling.html: There are 32 different spelling games on this site and there are a lot of different ones.  You can type in your own spelling list.  All of the games have to do with water so that is the tie in to the aquarium part of the name. 
6. Eduplace.com:  Fun, but limited on the number of games that it offers.  This site breaks apart words to help you spell them correctly based on the sounds.
7. www.bigiqkids.com: A totally different approach is taken on this site.  There are animated characters that go through lessons to teach the spelling words.  First the child is asked to spell a word and they can see it.  Then the next lesson they spell the word for a robot.  The following lesson the child writes the words on paper and then moves on.  The next lesson they are in a spelling bee situation.  A final quiz is given.  If any words are missed an e-mail is sent to the parents.  The kid cannot advance to the next lesson without scoring 100% on their test.
8. www.spinandspell.com:  Some children learn better one way over another.  This site has a big wheel that the children have to click on the letter on the wheel and it spins as it spells the word.  Then you submit the word and see if you got it right.  When you get it right you move on and when you get it wrong you get another chance to spell it.
9. http://www.manythings.org/cts/: Different than the other sites and has a lot of different choices.  All of the games are the same in that the letters are dropped from above because it’s called Catch the Spelling.  They differ in how hard the words are and how much help is given to the child.  You cannot enter in your child’s own spelling list so this would be a site to use when they just want to play and learn.
10. Spellit: There are 42 different spelling games to go to on this site.  The games are linked to other sites.  Word turtle will allow you to enter in your spelling words and then it will turn them into a word search puzzle.  Critter Jumble is another fun game where you can use virtual fridge magnets to spell out the words.    

Source:  Live-InNanny.com

In reality this is becoming more of serious concern than most think.  Teenagers need to realize when they apply to colleges they need to type in full sentences and interview in person! Yes, in real life!
Be an educated parent, you will have smarter kids!

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Sun Life Rising Star Award: Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

Sun Life Financial Seeking Grant Applications from South Florida Non-profit Organizations for Sun Life Rising Star Awards
 
Sun Life Financial invites organizations to apply for $220,000 in grants and scholarships that provide educational opportunities and promote financial stability in under-served youth 

Wellesley, MA (May 24, 2011) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) and the Miami Dolphins announced today they are seeking Sun Life Rising Star Award grant applications from non-profit organizations in South Florida that advocate for youth from under-served communities. Applications are now available at www.SunLifeStadium.com/RisingStar. The deadline for submissions is July 1.

The Sun Life Rising Star Award program is designed to improve the lives of under-served youth by providing financial resources and education to students and non-profit organizations committed to increasing success in high school and beyond. Each winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant and other unique resources. Additionally as part of the application process, each organization will nominate an exemplary student for a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship to help finance a college education, with the goal of helping students achieve long-term financial stability.

Now in its second year, the program will again invest more than $1 million to outstanding students and non-profit organizations in major markets across the country, including Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida. The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program is the educational cornerstone program of the Miami Dolphins Foundation. 

“Financial security and sustainability are the building blocks of the Sun Life brand, and that’s why it’s a priority for us to continue investing in and improving the lives of these outstanding students who are committed to furthering their education,” said Sun Life Financial U.S. President Wes Thompson. “It is our intention that the Sun Life Rising Star Awards serve as a catalyst to help these incredibly talented and deserving students and organizations embark on a path to a sound financial future.”

To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award grant, organizations must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21. Applications will be reviewed by a local judging panel consisting of community leaders and senior-level educators.

As part of the application process, each non-profit will nominate an outstanding student from its organization for a chance to receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards’ mission; they must also plan to pursue post-secondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit a 750-word essay on how financial education contributes to future success.