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