My kiddos have far surpassed the targeted 3-7 age range for Education.com’s newly released math and reading subscription program, Brainzy. And while there are days when I would barter my hidden stash of dark chocolate to push back time, it’s not going to happen. So, instead of lamenting what was NOT available for them, I’m rejoicing in what IS available for you, and that is Brainzy.
Brainzy is a stellar online game-based program (for iPads, laptops and desktops) set in the playful “Land of Knowhere”. There, thanks to the work of Mike Gray, the cutest characters imaginable lead kids through the more than 300 games, stories and activities available.
Muggo, Officer Ice Cream, Tutu, Roly, Birdee, Floyd, Cuz-Cuz, and Penelope Pegacorn help young Brainzy subscribers practice dozens of foundational early reading and math concepts.
Once parents add their students to the Dashboard, kids can easily take it from there by selecting whether they want to work on Math or Reading and simply following along. While Brainzy recommends that kids proceed in the order the games and activities set, there is complete freedom to choose otherwise.
Each skill gets reviewed through entertaining animated “Teaching Moment” videos, and then, early learners get to practice the skill through a variety of ways, including games, songs, and puzzles.
Personally, I love the videos that include teaching songs because information sticks in my head easier when sung. Two of my three kids are the same way while another would want to skip through the song. Check out other songs by Brainzy games on their YouTube channel.
Created for Preschool, Kindergarten or First Graders, Brainzy tests for mastery of each skill with stories (kids can read or listen to them) and correlating comprehension activities. Each activity, as well as their level of mastery, gets tracked on the individual student’s dashboard.
The linked puzzle pieces following each game are a visual “score” of a child’s mastery and understanding upon completing the game. If a child only receives one or two linked puzzle pieces, they are encouraged that they can do better and asked if they’d like to try and beat their score by playing again.
For each skill, there are multiple activities displayed vertically to the right of the actual activity, video, game, etc…. As students complete them, a check mark next to the icon serves as an indicator of where in the skill the student is at the moment.
Fair warning: my favorite game, Number Pairs Bubble Buster, is addictive. I refuse to admit how many times I played it. Click, click, click on the pairs that match up to the number on the left. The number bubbles start dropping faster and faster, piling higher and higher.
For a limited time, Brainzy has a 7-day Free Trial for parents and teachers to see if they like it. Beyond that, both monthly and annual subscriptions are available for the “Home” (up to three students) or “Classroom” (up to 35 students). Each account offers unlimited game play, step-by-step learning for 30+ math and reading skills, and progress tracking.
HERE’S THE CHANCE FOR 10 INDIVIDUALS TO WIN ONE 12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION EACH TO BRAINZY.COM!
Feeling rather generous, Education.com offered to give ten (10) lucky winners one (1) 12-month subscription each to Brainzy.com! Isn’t that awesome?
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
To enter the giveaway, have your kids visit Brainzy’s FREE Online Educational Games for Kids page and after playing, answer the following question:
What are your kids ages and which FREE Brainzy games did they love playing?
THE RULES/DETAILS:
» One entry per person, please.
» No entries after 12:00 PM (CST) on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
» Winners will be selected at random and announced Wednesday afternoon.
Now, it’s time to grab your kids and get them started with Brainzy’s games so you can comment below!
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families to live, love and learn. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods where she currently home schools two of her three kids.