 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Melody Street
Common Sense Media says
Sweet site a safe introduction to musical instruments.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that MelodyStreet.com is an interactive website full of colorful characters that gently teach children about music through storytelling, games, and, of course, music. The site is built around an animated avenue where cheery musical instruments with names such as Timmy Trumpet and Febe Flute hang out with a spunky boy named Ethan. Together, they introduce kids to musical instruments, their sounds, and different genres of music through a variety of engaging activities, including an interactive, musical storybook and entertaining webisodes.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to identify instruments by sight and sound and hear how music is made on Melody Street. The site is an offshoot of the children's book The House on Melody Street and, as such, uses the same characters and fosters a similar joy for music. Kids identify common and uncommon musical instruments in games such as “Who’s That Instrument.” The site's a charming introduction to instruments, though kids can't make music or witness ensemble playing.
Subjects
- Artsmusic, rhythm
- Hobbies
- Language & Readingfollowing directions, reading
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativitymaking new creations
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
What's it about?
Melody Street aims to foster a love of classical music in kids. Users are welcomed by an upbeat, orchestral tune. There, they meet Ethan -- a young boy host who leads them down the charming and music-filled Melody Street. Other musical instrument characters pop up along the way as leaders of various music focused activities. Kids can play games to identify common instruments, watch videos of skilled musicians their age, and listen to "radio" stations.
Is it any good?
Simple storytelling and charming animation make MELODYSTREET.COM a perfect destination for young kids to learn more about instruments and music. Kids will be enchanted by this magical musical world where animated instruments interact and teach simultaneously. Parents will appreciate the site’s gentle way of weaving illustrations, music, and lyrics into an engaging storyline and how it encourages exploration and appreciation of all types of music. Kids can visit a listening room to hear a wide range of tunes, watch an animated webisode, paint pictures, and play games such as “Who’s That Instrument.” Voiceovers provide simple age-appropriate instructions that even the youngest kids can follow. Kids will enjoy the rhyming prose in the narrated storybook “The House on Melody Street,” and parents won’t mind letting their kids meander for a while on this marvelously musical street.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how studies have shown that learning about and being involved in music (and educational music programs) has a positive influence on kids and contributes to their success in school. Why do you think there’s a link between music and school performance? How does music help you?
How can reading stories, playing games, and doing puzzles help you learn things? Even when you’ve found a fun website, why is it important to have time limits on screen time?
How kids can use computers to explore music and the arts outside of school? What other types of things can you create using the computer?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to identify instruments by sight and sound and hear how music is made on Melody Street. The site is an offshoot of the children's book The House on Melody Street and, as such, uses the same characters and fosters a similar joy for music. Kids identify common and uncommon musical instruments in games such as “Who’s That Instrument.” The site's a charming introduction to instruments, though kids can't make music or witness ensemble playing.
Subjects
- Arts: music, rhythm
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading: following directions, reading
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity: making new creations
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning:
How kids will learn
Kids could be inspired as they wander this animated avenue of musical adventures. Ethan, the main character, proclaims his love for music; instruments are brought to life with cutesy names such as Timmy Trumpet. Voice-overs provide simple instructions. A listening room and videos of real kids playing instruments highlight role models. The music does sound synthesized, which could be problematic for kids who desire a more realistic sound.
How parents can help
- Encourage kids who are drawn to music to spend time on this site discovering different instruments and musical genres.
- Connect what they've learned on the site to what they hear in everyday life, such as on their iPod or on the car radio.
- Take kids to classical, jazz, or rock concerts to further their exposure to live music.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
| Genre: | Music |
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