Unschooling

Hi, all!  Do you have ideas for at least semi-educational websites/games?  DD (age 9) has been really enjoying the kind of thing that's on Nicktropolis (build a person, build a room, interact to some limited extent with others) but the program is a dead end and gets dull after awhile.  Not to mention that her mom's frustrated that there doesn't seem to be any redeeming educational or even interesting content there, so I don't let her do it a lot.

What websites/online games do your kids enjoy and learn from?  If someone would take a minute to post a suggestion or two I'd be most grateful.

Thanks!

We really like a British site (but we're in the USA).  It's sponsored by the BBC and I *LOVE* it.  Ds and I often spend time on it together.  bbc.co.uk/schools/

There all a number of subjects addressed and they are for a wide variety of ages.  My ds used the Dance Mat Typing program and learned to type fairly well in a short time and while having some fun.  He has really enjoyed the science sections as well and we explored a section on life in Britain during WWII which was fun and interesting for both of us.

You could try any of the online worlds, depending on the net-savvy skills of your child, and how much you trust them. They will teach (often) history and money skills, as well as communication and negotiating skills. These include World of Warcraft or Second Life. Do be careful with these types of games, as there are lots of perverts on there, but with a little careful attention, they can be avoided. They also tend to be addictive, so you'll definitely want to keep a close eye, but they are lots of fun, and educational at the same time.

If your child likes puzzles, www.thepuzzlefactory.com has lots, which teaches math and visual accuracy, as well as geography and geometry. It isn't interacting with other kids tho.

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/index.html offers grammar and language arts teaching, while the kids create their own funny story. It's targeting gr 3 and up.

http://www.lethsd.ab.ca/mmh/games/top100.htm I found this one with a quick google search, and while they aren't interactive, they are fun and educational.

You can do a google search as well - I typed in free online educational games, and got a ton. Happy searching! Please post your top ones for the rest of us too! =)