The following are various websites, some for children to play with, and some for adults to gain information.

Information for Parents

http://www.internet4classrooms.com

Links to interactive games, information, teaching strategies, quizzes and activities on just about every skill you could want.  This site was designed for teachers, so not all activities will be logical to do at home.  Click on the Grade Level Help K-8 box at the top of the home page.  Then go to the grade level where your child’s approximate skills are (or a lower grade level) and either click on Skill Builders or Language arts.  The two links will give you the same list, just organized in a different way.

http://www.readingrockets.org

Reading Rockets is full of information for parents and teachers about kids who are struggling to read including strategies to help struggling readers and steps for teachers and parents when a reading problem is suspected.

http://www.getreadytoread.org/frontpage/Itemid,1/

The 'Get Ready to Read' website is full of information about prereading and reading skills, including assessments, things you can help your child with at home and games.  This is great for any parent of a beginning reader, even parents of preschoolers.

http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics

LD Online is a huge site for parents and teachers of children who may have a learning disability.  It is full of information, resources and links to other sites.

http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/index.asp

The Learning Disabilities Association’s website is a great place to start looking for information and resources about learning disabilities.

http://www.umbida.org/

The Upper Midwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association has a wealth of information as well as support groups.

Games for Children:

http://www.starfall.com/

At starfall.com kids can play reading games.  Most games are for beginning readers.  The stories at the end are set up so if you click on a word the computer reads it to you. 

http://www.internet4classrooms.com

See above.

http://pbskids.org/games/lions.html

The PBS website has many child friendly activities.  The 'Between The Lions' website is full of reading games your child can play.

http://schooltimegames.com/

Educational games.  The core subject games were too difficult below 3rd grade.

http://www.playkidsgames.com/

Educational games.  I haven’t had time to look this one much yet. 

http://www.kaboose.com/games/read2.html

These games seem to download slowly. 

Dictionary:

http://wordcentral.com

A dictionary site with many extra's like 'word or the day,' and great information including a brief history of the English Language if you click on 'educators.'

Books on Tape:

http://www.rfbd.org/

If your child is formally diagnosed with a learning disability that makes reading difficult, the Recording For the Blind and Dyslexic has a website you can join to recieve information and books recorded on tape.

Handwriting:

http://www.handwritingforkids.com/handwrite/cursive/animation/lowercase.htm

An interactive handwriting website shows the correct formation of letters.

Math:

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

This is Utah State University’s National Library of Virtual Manipulatives.  Takes a bit to find things you are looking for, but it is full of great math games.  This is my favorite math site.

http://www.themathlab.com/

The Math Lab.com had some games my daughter liked.  I did not sign in.  I just selected per-algebra from the list of options written across the top and then chose the first section, then tried some of the activities.

Minneapolis Public Schools Parent Advocacy Services

The Special Education Department offers advocacy service for parents and staff. Cy Thompson is available to assist parents in navigating the special education process. Cy helps parents understand what their rights are and how to work effectively with staff. Cy's philosophy is that families and staff ultimately share the same goal: school success for all students. In order to achieve that success, parents and staff must work together. Also, it is in everyone's best interest to comply with IDEA. Parents may call Cy directly at (612) 668-5437 or email Cy.Thompson@mpls.k12.mn.us.  From the Mpls. website: "The Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Department offers advocacy services to parents who have students with disabilities. The advocate responds to questions, concerns and complaints, and helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities in the special education process.  The advocate collaborates with school staff, parents, district departments and outside agencies as appropriate to develop comprehensive plans to address the academic success of students with disabilities. The advocate is also available to consult with staff on engaging parents positively in the IEP process. Parents and staff may contact the advocate Cy Thompson directly, 612-668-5437.  Parents interested in having a voice in policy and planning can check out the Special Education Advisory Council.  "