Elementary level students:

• are highly motivated.
• can read most navigation directions.

Challenges for this age group include the following:

• Differing abilities might require providing a number of different games.
• Curious or bored students can click off site quickly.

Choose sites with

• a limited number of ads and other temptations to get off-task.
• a solid connection to content in addition to entertainment value.

Top picks include

• Power Proofreading. This game from Houghton Mifflin is one of the best grammar review games on the Web. PowerProofreading uses memos, letters, paragraphs, and other selections and asks students to find the grammatical errors within the text. You can select grade level, grammar concept covered, and writing genre.
• A+ Math. Don't be fooled by the simple design of this Web site. The games are solid, and student love to compete in Math-O (like bingo). Concepts include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and geometry, with games, worksheets, and homework help!

Next: Selecting games for middle and high school students.