Today’s parents know that kids are more tech savvy than ever before. Luckily, new technology means there are new ways for kids to learn in a fun and engaging environment.
One of the most popular online learning sites is subscription-based ABCMouse.com, which offers a diverse online curriculum for toddlers through early elementary school students.
Before signing up for the service, consider these pros and cons to learn if it is right for you and your child.
ABCMouse.com offers a huge variety of online games, books, songs, coloring sheets, puzzles, printables, and more, meaning each child can find activities that are interesting and a good fit for his or her learning style. The activities are designed to be educational and fun, so many children may not realize they are learning as they play at the computer.
Children earn virtual tickets for completing each activity, which can then be redeemed for virtual prizes. The reward system is a good way to engage early learners and get them excited to progress through the activities.
All games are colorful and interactive and tailored to each child’s learning level and interests. Games for younger children and much simpler than games for children in elementary school.
ABCMouse.com is a safe online environment and doesn’t include external links or ads.
ABCMouse.com can be accessed on a computer or through mobile devices, making it easy for kids to learn on the go.
Parents can create a learning path for their child or use a pre-set path. Each path takes children through a variety of activities and subjects and gradually increases the difficulty and complexity according to their age and abilities.
The site also features video clips from teachers to provide children with additional assistance and work through new or difficult topics.
ABCMouse.com costs $7.95 per month for up to three children. Similar online learning or library books are available for free or at less expensive subscription rates.
Many parents complain that the learning paths on ABCMouse.com are too easy for their children and that they don’t challenge them beyond their basic level, which can cause many children to become bored or frustrated.
Learning to navigate the site on their own can be tricky for many young children, especially when compared to other apps and learning websites that are more intuitive.
The website design features lots of colors, graphics, animation, and clickable links, which can be overwhelming to new users and young children. The multiple options can also make it hard for children to focus on one activity.
ABCMouse.com is a monthly subscription service, meaning your credit card is charged every month even if you haven’t recently accessed the site. Many users also complain about it being very difficult to cancel their subscriptions and have reported being charged even after cancelling their accounts.
The site is designed to go up to children about age 6 or 7, meaning that children at the top end of the age range may have a difficult time finding activities that meet their interests and learning levels.
