Web Field Trips – with My Favorite Links!

Web field trips are a great way to sneak in some fun learning for your child.  When you are creating your lesson plans, don’t forget to add in a few web field trips for your children as a break from the norm.

To me, the internet is the resource section of the library on steroids! When I was a child I lived in the resource section of my library.  I would read the encyclopedia just as I would any other book… except they wouldn’t let me take it home.  With the internet allowing your family to access all of that information, from your own home – this amazes me!…

Unfortunately, there is also an abundance of very dangerous information lurking within that greatness as well. I think the best (and safest) way to allow your children to learn through play online is to have a Favorites (also called Bookmarks) folder on your browser.This allows your children to easily access your permitted sites without the constant “Can I get on [insert website name]?” question.

In our home, we have a strict “favorites” rule.  If the site isn’t listed in the “MOMMY APPROVED” folder of our favorites, they can’t go!  If they wish to add anything to the list, they can’t!  They have to ask me to do it.  Anyone who violates these rules, are off for a week or more at a time (depending on the severity of the offense).

I think it is just as important to keep your list current for your children.  This way YOU know what is within your “approved” folder, because you are moderating the list regularly. (I have had a little sneaky one add to my list without my knowledge before- I wasn’t too pleased.)

Don’t forget: Anytime your children are online, it is important to monitor their actions. You can’t assume they are always following the rules – You have to know it!

The following is my current list of free websites for parents and children to use for homeschooling, ideas, or just for fun: