Websites for Gifted Kids after Classwork is Done

Students Need Direction for Extra Time On the Classroom Computer

Jan 31, 2009
Alex Sharp

National Gallery of Art Provides Enrichment Games - dbking (Flickr Creative Commons License)

When students are done with their work, they often go to the computer. Teachers should guide students tho sites that offer educational experiences.

In an ideal, differentiated classroom, all students stay busy working until the end of the hour. In reality, gifted students often have extra time because they have finished their assignments or tests early, and their usual choices are to read or have free time on the classroom computer.

Great Underwater Games Online

Shedd Educational Adventures

This interactive, educational game site allows elementary students to explore the waters. It is possible to search the SEA's games by grade level. Elementary games include:

Squish the Fish - Students help Squish survive in the big ocean as he searches for a mean. Students learn about shapes, color, and survival adaptations of fish.
Build a Fish - Students create their own fish from optional body parts, and then let their fish swim out to sea. They guide the fish as it tries for find food and avoid danger. Students use critical thinking to solve problems and trial and error as they create a surviving fish.
Amazing Reef Movie Maker - Students can choose characters, plot movies and create credits for the Amazing Reef movies. This site appeals to elementary and middle school students on different entertainment levels. Students learn about art, motion, and the basics of creating stories. Older students can build in humor, drama, and realism.

One nice bonus about Shedd's games is that they are also available in Spanish.

Great Art Games Online

The National Gallery of Art has an outstanding collection of art activities in their Kid Zone. Many of the games are interesting for students from elementary through high school because with art, the joy of creation makes the experience meaningful. In terms of teaching art information and techniques, most of the National Gallery of Art offerings are more appropriate for elementary students. Games to highlight for students include:

The Dutch House Interactive Doll House - A surprise is waiting in every room as students move through the authentic Victorian doll house. The details of the doll house are incredible, and students can add, move, and resize furniture, characters, and decor.
Jungle - Based on the beautiful art of Henri Rousseau, students create pictures of animals in the jungle. Teachers might point out to students that Rousseau's style was used in the Madagascar movies.
Online Art Creation - Students who want to draw or paint will love Brushter, Pixel Face, Paintbox, and the Collage Machines. The NGA site offers several different games that to use online toolbox for students to create new pictures and images.
Mobile - Students learn about color, balance and weight as the they create a virtual mobile. It hangs realistically and responds to additions that students add to the game.

Teachers know that most school internet filters are not going to allow students to access unhealthy sites, but students need direction to make their time online meaningful. Rather than allow students to play games online, teachers should provide a list of approved websites.