Educational Software

I would like to teach 2nd graders.
* Utah State Content Core Standard 3: Objective 2: Students will observe and describe weather. Some software I found to go with this unit is from the Weather Channel, http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/weather-games/ It has a plethora of different activities the students can do related to weather. In the games, all the directions are spoken and written (accommodates all learners), brightly colored and engaging.
* Utah State Math Core Standard 3: Objective 1: Describe, classify, and create geometric figures. Beacon Learning Center had a bunch of great games and activities related to math. One of my favorites was Mr. Mumble http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/MrMumble/default.html It helps the students learn how to describe the shape, by number of sides, angles, etc. It tells the story of a mouse who mumbles about math all day. He helps the students learn to mumble (describe) shapes, just like he does. So it tells a story and teaches students math, excellent integration.
* Utah State Language Arts Core Standard 6: Objective 1: Learn new words through listening and reading widely. I found a website entirely dedicated to making learning vocabulary fun http://www.vocabulary.co.il/games2/matchgame/match.php One of the games is a matching game, but there are over 50 puzzles with different kinds of words. All the matching game cards have a picture, and the written word. Before one can play the matching game, one has to go through and learn the words and meanings. I picked the nature puzzle, because in the content part of the core, students will investigate plants and animals. Yet again another way of integration. I really liked this game, and the other games on the site, were full of color and good sounds.