Free Resources from the Net for (Special) Education

Welcome to this Treasure Chest of Free Stuff.

Today I’m featuring another website that is exceptional in terms of both the quality and the scope of what it has to offer. It is also an inspiring example of what an individual school can do. To be fair, they haven’t done it overnight. Woodlands Junior School has been online since 1999. There has clearly been visionary leadership here with an ongoing commitment to excellence.

Woodlands Web (online resource) Woodlands Junior School in the UK has created a very special and incredibly useful website. It is a repository of well organized and easily accessed interactive learning activities and games. Although Woodlands Junior students are aged 7 to 11, many of the activities housed on the website are appropriate for children both younger and older.

There are numerous features of this site that set it apart. First, there is the simple uncluttered interface that is completely ad-free and easy to navigate. Then there is the exceptional quality of the activities that are housed or linked on the site. There are both activities that have been created at Woodlands as well as links to some of the best that other sites have to offer. Activities are straightforward and engaging. Also notable is the extensive range of offerings.

In support of curriculum, activities are organized into four main areas: Literacy Zone; Maths Zone; Science Zone; Homework Help. As well, there is information about the UK in a special section entitled British Life and Festivals. Other subjects featured include playground games, safe internet surfing, jokes and brain teasers.

Finally, this site offers an extensive collection of games. By my count, there are currently 115 games in the collection. Titles range from Maniac Racers to Word Meisters. The top five games games of the moment are: Jet Slalom; Basketball; Tank Game; Harry Potter; 3D Driver. The site says these games are for the students, “…to enjoy during free time and when they are at home.”

The screenshot below shows only the top half of the starting interface for the Woodlands Web, but it gives an idea of how well the site is organized and of how clearly it is presented.