When a child is struggling with school, searching for help can be quite a challenge — hiring a private tutor can be costly, and while there is so much online, figuring out the great from the less useful can be difficult.
Here are some of our favourite educational websites:
LEARN
Non-profit LEARN is free and built specifically with English-speaking Quebec students in mind. This website offers tons of content for all subjects taught in Quebec at elementary and secondary levels. There is also a section dedicated to preschool education. The site includes helpful information on subjects like arts and education, languages, social sciences, personal development, math and science. There are sections dedicated to educators, students, and even parents. LEARN also offers online courses in math, science, physics and chemistry for students in Grades 10 and 11. learnquebec.ca
Khan Academy
Now offering one of the best-known educational websites, Khan Academy is a non-profit organization created in 2006 by educator Salman Khan. Children and young adults alike are likely to recognize the academy’s tutorial videos, which all feature one man explaining a concept or principle while colourful examples are shown on a black background, reminiscent of a blackboard. The tutorials are simple, clear, concise and, best of all, they’re free. Although the website specializes in more advanced topics related to math and science, like calculus and physics, it also covers topics like basic algebra. The site offers free tutorials in biology, chemistry, humanities, finance, economics, history, and more. Khan Academy has collaborated with organizations such as NASA, the Stanford School of Medicine, and the Museum of Modern Art to offer high-quality tutorials in many subject areas. Although the website is based on the American educational system, children can select their grade level and access relevant topics. khanacademy.org
Learning Bird
Another interesting and easy-to-use online resource is Learning Bird, which offers tutorials for students in grades 6 through 12, and allows students to track their progress. There is a membership fee of $19.95 per month. The website allows you and your child to access many different tutorials in various subjects, all uploaded by certified teachers in North America. If a child does not understand the way their teacher is explaining a particular topic, they can watch a tutorial that approaches the subject in a different manner. The website specializes in math, humanities, and science with tutorials in different formats such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, documents, worksheets, and even songs. Students using the website can select their school and geographic location which allows the site to match its content to local curricula and textbooks. Students can also search for lessons related to the specific textbook they are studying. learningbird.com
NeoK12
NeoK12 offers free videos, lessons, and educational games for children from kindergarten to high school. The website also includes quizzes, interactive diagrams and puzzles, all aimed at helping kids learn, and allows students to share their school presentations online. Although this site is not as visually appealing as others, it is very easy to navigate. Topics are clearly listed, with subcategories listed in alphabetical order. The website includes information on all subjects, including (but not limited to) science, English, geography, history, social sciences and math. By clicking on the subject you would like to learn more about, you can access a section of relevant, age-appropriate information. neok12.com
