| With so much software on the market these
| |
| | the program offers positive feedback
|
| days choosing the best
| |
| | and methods for teaching children that
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| games, learning activities, and other
| |
| | could not be experienced in a
|
| computer materials for your kids
| |
| | different media (through books or by the
|
| can be tough. Sure you want your kids to
| |
| | teacher at school, for example).4) Value
|
| have fun. But the best software
| |
| | vs. Cost - Some programs can seem quite
|
| should do much more than just entertain.
| |
| | expensive, yet
|
| And you certainly don't want to
| |
| | they're really a good value because they
|
| waste your money by purchasing something
| |
| | can be used over and over
|
| that isn't developmentally
| |
| | again (without the child losing
|
| appropriate for your children.So how can
| |
| | interest), plus they teach or reinforce a
|
| you be sure you're making wise choices
| |
| |
|
| when it comes to
| |
| | variety of skills. Also, most high
|
| software?For starters, read reviews of
| |
| | quality games and actitivites offer a
|
| any software you're thinking about
| |
| | variety of levels appropriate and
|
| buying.
| |
| | interesting for children of many
|
| You'll find reviews in a variety of
| |
| | different
|
| places. Many computer and parenting
| |
| | ages.5) Scary Images and/or Violence -
|
| magazines feature new reviews in each
| |
| | Emily J. Johnson, Ph.D, assistant
|
| issue, and online software
| |
| | professor of psychology at the
|
| companies usually provide reviews of any
| |
| | University of Wisconsin in La Crosse,
|
| products they carry. But aside
| |
| | advises parents to "avoid scary images
|
| from that, consider these five elements
| |
| | and violent themes found in
|
| when choosing software for your
| |
| | some software. Some children have
|
| kids:1) Educational Value - Most good
| |
| | particularly difficult times with scary
|
| software programs explain the skills
| |
| | images - even if you don't see them as
|
| the program teaches or reinforces.
| |
| | scary. And regarding violence - it
|
| You'll want to make sure a variety of
| |
| | isn't that the child will necessarily
|
| skills are taught with any program you
| |
| | turn around and become violent, too,
|
| purchase. Also make certain the
| |
| | but he/she learns that violence is a way
|
| learning activities are age and
| |
| | to solve problems. Plus, do you
|
| developmentally appropriate for your
| |
| | really want your children 'killing off
|
| kids. If you aren't sure what this
| |
| | bad guys' just to learn a math
|
| means, this is where reviews will help,
| |
| | concept, for example?'"Computer games
|
| and look for software packages that
| |
| | and activities are quickly becoming part
|
| contain a user's manual which gives
| |
| | of the
|
| basic information about child
| |
| | educational experiences at childcare
|
| development as it relates to the
| |
| | centers and schools across the
|
| software.
| |
| | country. Talk to your children's
|
| And, of course you'll want to choose
| |
| | teachers to see which programs they
|
| programs that encourage creativity,
| |
| | recommend, and also find out which
|
| imagination, and exploration.2) Design
| |
| | programs your children are using
|
| Features - First, you'll want a program
| |
| | at school. There may be other programs
|
| that is easy to install
| |
| | you can purchase that would
|
| and has several playing options. For
| |
| | coordinate well with these.Donna Nelson,
|
| example, a SAVE option so the
| |
| | M.Ed., preschool teacher at the Francis
|
| game or activity can be saved each time
| |
| | Institute Child
|
| the child plays it, and maybe
| |
| | Development Center in Kansas City, says,
|
| even a PRINT option so the child can
| |
| | "the best type of computer
|
| print out portions of his work. Next,
| |
| | programs for young children are ones
|
| check to see that the program offers the
| |
| | that offer a child many choices
|
| learner (your child) clear
| |
| | and many ways to get to the right
|
| directions and on- screen help. If your
| |
| | answer." And Linda Bell, M.S.,
|
| child is a pre-reader you'll want
| |
| | Coordinator of the Francis Institute,
|
| the software to include icons or audio
| |
| | reminds us that "wise parents and
|
| directions, as well. Finally, look for
| |
| | teachers will view computer programs as
|
| outstanding graphics and a program that
| |
| | another tool to use to help
|
| offers animation and sound.
| |
| | children learn - and not use them as a
|
| After all, computer programs are
| |
| | replacement for other
|
| competing with television for your
| |
| | developmentally appropriate
|
| child's attention and interest every
| |
| | activities."Once you get the hang of it,
|
| day, so they must look and sound as
| |
| | choosing the best software for your kids
|
| appealing as possible.3) Fun Appeal -
| |
| | shouldn't be that difficult. It just
|
| If kids don't like a program it doesn't
| |
| | requires a little time and
|
| matter how
| |
| | research.Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance
|
| educational it is. Again, read reviews
| |
| | writer, children's author, and owner of
|
| to see what other kids and parents
| |
| | the Three Angels Gourmet Co.
|
| say about it. Also, check to see that
| |
| |
|
