Screen time can be educational

Board games, card games and puzzles develop critical thinking skills, reasoning and problem-solving strategies, says John SanGiovanni, coordinator of elementary mathematics for Howard County Public School System. But students can also work with mobile apps to practice computation and fraction skills, he says.

“What’s most important is that you keep practice sessions brief, varied and enjoyable,” SanGiovanni says.

In addition to math, these teacher- and parent-recommended websites help students stay on top of reading, history, science and social studies. Some sites may have membership fees.

Math Sites

XtraMath, xtramath.org
Students use timed practices to review math skills and progress charts as motivation. For grades 1 and up.

Calculation Nation, calculationnation.nctm.org
Created by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this site lets students challenge others and themselves through math games. For grades 3 and up.

Math Playground, mathplayground.com
Students play math games designed with colorful graphics that incorporate a range of curriculums. For grades 1 to 6.

History Sites

America’s Story by the Library of Congress, americaslibrary.gov
Meet famous Americans, explore the states, and play games focused on the country’s favorite pastimes and hobbies. For grades 3 to 5.

Reading, Grammar and Writing Sites

Grammar Bytes, chompchomp.com
Created by an English professor, the site challenges students with daily grammar “workouts” and exercises. For high school students.

Fun English Games, funenglishgames.com
Games, quizzes, videos and worksheets teach students more about the English language. For elementary age and older.

Time4Writing, time4writing.com
This site helps elementary, middle and high school students build and master writing. The site’s teachers provide feedback as needed. For grades K to 12.

Multiple Subject Sites

IXL Learning, ixl.com
Provides math, language arts, science and social studies content by grade. Students receive virtual awards as they progress. For grades K to 12.

The Learning Network by the New York Times, learning.blogs.nytimes.com
Daily resources for learning using The New York Times newspaper. For grades K to 12.

Funbrain, funbrain.com
Math and reading games with different levels that can be customized. Students can also read popular books and comics on the site. For grades K to 5.

Khan Academy, khanacademy.org
Practice exercises and instructional videos on everything from math and science to computer programming and art history. For ages 5 and older.

Starfall, starfall.com
A mix of math and reading games for the early learner. For grades K to 2.

Smithsonian Education, smithsonianeducation.org/students
Students can take a closer look at art, science, history and culture while playing games and taking quizzes. For grades l to 5.

Click next below for reading programs at area libraries.