| With so much software on the market these | | | | say about it. Also, check to see that the |
| days choosing the best | | | | program offers positive feedback |
| games, learning activities, and other computer | | | | and methods for teaching children that could not |
| materials for your kids | | | | be experienced in a |
| can be tough. Sure you want your kids to have | | | | different media (through books or by the |
| fun. But the best software | | | | teacher at school, for example).4) Value vs. Cost |
| should do much more than just entertain. And | | | | - Some programs can seem quite expensive, yet |
| you 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 | | | | variety of skills. Also, most high quality games |
| to | | | | and actitivites offer a |
| software?For starters, read reviews of any | | | | variety of levels appropriate and interesting for |
| software you're thinking about buying. | | | | children of many different |
| You'll find reviews in a variety of places. Many | | | | ages.5) Scary Images and/or Violence - Emily J. |
| computer and parenting | | | | Johnson, Ph.D, assistant |
| magazines feature new reviews in each issue, | | | | professor of psychology at the University of |
| and online software | | | | Wisconsin in La Crosse, |
| companies usually provide reviews of any | | | | advises parents to "avoid scary images and |
| products they carry. But aside | | | | violent themes found in |
| from that, consider these five elements when | | | | some software. Some children have particularly |
| choosing software for your | | | | difficult times with scary |
| kids:1) Educational Value - Most good software | | | | images - even if you don't see them as scary. |
| programs explain the skills | | | | And regarding violence - it |
| the program teaches or reinforces. You'll want to | | | | isn't that the child will necessarily turn around and |
| make sure a variety of | | | | become violent, too, |
| skills are taught with any program you purchase. | | | | but he/she learns that violence is a way to solve |
| Also make certain the | | | | problems. Plus, do you |
| learning activities are age and developmentally | | | | really want your children 'killing off bad guys' just |
| appropriate for your | | | | to learn a math |
| kids. If you aren't sure what this means, this is | | | | concept, for example?'"Computer games and |
| where reviews will help, | | | | activities are quickly becoming part of the |
| and look for software packages that contain a | | | | educational experiences at childcare centers and |
| user's manual which gives | | | | schools across the |
| basic information about child development as it | | | | country. Talk to your children's teachers to see |
| relates to the software. | | | | which programs they |
| And, of course you'll want to choose programs | | | | recommend, and also find out which programs |
| that encourage creativity, | | | | your children are using |
| imagination, and exploration.2) Design Features - | | | | at school. There may be other programs you |
| First, you'll want a program that is easy to install | | | | can purchase that would |
| and has several playing options. For example, a | | | | coordinate well with these.Donna Nelson, M.Ed., |
| SAVE option so the | | | | preschool teacher at the Francis Institute Child |
| game or activity can be saved each time the | | | | Development Center in Kansas City, says, "the |
| child plays it, and maybe | | | | best type of computer |
| even a PRINT option so the child can print out | | | | programs for young children are ones that offer |
| portions of his work. Next, | | | | a child many choices |
| check to see that the program offers the | | | | and many ways to get to the right answer." And |
| learner (your child) clear | | | | Linda Bell, M.S., |
| directions and on- screen help. If your child is a | | | | Coordinator of the Francis Institute, reminds us |
| pre-reader you'll want | | | | that "wise parents and |
| the software to include icons or audio directions, | | | | teachers will view computer programs as |
| as well. Finally, look for | | | | another tool to use to help |
| outstanding graphics and a program that offers | | | | children learn - and not use them as a |
| animation and sound. | | | | replacement for other |
| After all, computer programs are competing with | | | | developmentally appropriate activities."Once you |
| television for your | | | | get the hang of it, choosing the best software for |
| child's attention and interest every day, so they | | | | your kids |
| must look and sound as | | | | shouldn't be that difficult. It just requires a little |
| appealing as possible.3) Fun Appeal - If kids don't | | | | time and research.Suzanne Lieurance is a |
| like a program it doesn't matter how | | | | freelance writer, children's author, and owner of |
| educational it is. Again, read reviews to see what | | | | the Three Angels Gourmet Co. |
| other kids and parents | | | | |