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