Learning conversation

http://www.usalearns.org

This is a site developed and maintained by USCIS for immigrants in the U.S. It is divided into 3 courses according to proficiency levels. Each course is then categorized into topics and stories. This site provides useful tools for self-learners. Every story has introduction where they cover vocabulary and listening warm-ups before watching the video. As post activities it contains exercises on comprehension, grammar and writing. The video shows real life of America as well as cultural backgrounds. Even though it was designed for adults, it can be useful material for middle school students since it features basic things regarding life in the U.S. A great way to learn the language and the culture.

Level: High beginner – High Advanced  (Middle school)

PBS Kids

http://pbskids.org/

This site features videos, games and songs presented by kids’ favorite characters including Arthur, Barney, Curious George, etc. Videos will help kids develop listening and reading comprehension skills. They cover diverse topics from stories to environmental issues. On top of that, engaging games will help kids learn and practice alphabets and words. Its beautiful graphics will grab kids’ attention and maintain their interest. Enjoy!

Levlel: Mid beginner-Low advanced (Elementary school)

Kids National Geographic

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

This site presents animations, videos and games on diverse topics. The topics covered are animals and cultures of countries around the world. This site is not only useful for language learning but also for understanding cultures of different countries. Videos of real animals and different places contain educational contents so they will be perfect resources for content-based instruction.

Level: Low advanced – High advanced (Elementary/Middle school)

Fun Games and Pen Pals

http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/writing/Kids_Writing.html

Kids will find this website easy to approach because this is full of interesting games about alphabets, phonics/spelling, and grammar. The games included hangman, crossword, and sight words. This site has games on grammar and writing which will help kids learn sentence structures. One of the most interesting sections here is pen pals. It has lists of children who want to have pen pals. They are from all over the world. Making friends through pen pals is a great way to learn English as well as cultures from each other.

Learn English

www.learnenglish.org.uk/kids

This site features huge number of games, songs, and craft materials that kids will love. In each of corners there are comments section where children can post their thoughts and opinions on the given materials or activities. This is a great way for children to interact with their peers from all around the world.

It helps students to enhance reading skills through interesting stories. One of the most fantastic features is that worksheets are provided for each story. They are easy to follow and have a variety of different types of activities. If teachers show the video and then cover the worksheets, it will be a very well-organized lesson.
                                 Level: Mid novice-High intermediate (Elementary School)

Phonics and Readings

http://www.starfall.com/

This is a great website for younger kids to develop phonemic awareness, practice phonics and learn language arts. It contains many interesting activities which will lead kids to expand their phonics as well as reading skills.

This site has four components.

1.     ABCs: Designed to help kids practice alphabets, this section contains wonderful descriptions and authentic pictures that kids will love.

2.     Learn to Read: Focusing on diphthongs and blends, this section has short stories that highlight each focused sound.

3.     It’s Fun to Read: As the name indicates, this section features interesting activities
     including riddles, poetry, and tongue twisters.

4.     I’m Reading: As the last stage in this site, it has 40 stories under six categories of plays, fiction/nonfiction, comics, folk tales, Greek myths and Chinese fables.
                  Level: Low novice-Mid intermediate (Elementary School)