Early Childhood Educational Websites and Activities

Interactive Games from PBS Kids

Here, you can capture your child's attention through educational games and activities that feature popular TV shows, like 'Arthur' and 'Clifford the Big Red Dog'. Although each show's page is slightly different, they all feature activities that can be completed both online and using a pen and paper.

The 'Sesame Street' page, for instance, features games, videos and printable activities. Have your child play the game called 'Elmo's First Day of School' to teach him about proper classroom behavior. In addition, print out bookmarks with your child's favorite character to motivate her to read. You can also help your child develop math skills through the printable counting worksheets featuring the Count character.

Scholastic's Resources and Articles

In these Age-by-Age Guides, Scholastic offers various articles and tips for helping children develop the skills they'll need to succeed in school. The resources are categorized by age, beginning with 0-2 and extending all the way to 11-13. In the early childhood section (ages 3-5), there are articles on such topics as developing pre-school thinking skills, (including abstract thinking skills), language skills, creative development, problem-solving strategies for this age group and even social issues, such as how to make friends in kindergarten. Additionally, the articles are written by experts in the field.

Mississippi State University's Activity Guide

Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Department of Human Services offer a free PDF manual that can be used to help children gain fine motor skills. The manual is categorized by age, beginning at birth and ending at 36 months. So, as your young child develops, you can follow these activities to help your child meet the various milestones.

Each activity lists the objectives, materials needed and instructions. For instance, the game called 'Bang It and Shake It' is intended to develop hand and arm coordination. By modeling behavior, you teach your child to bang items together and make noise. As your child shakes or bangs the toy, sing a song, such as a nursery rhyme, to help him or her coordinate the sounds with the rhythm of the language.