With so much software on the market these days choosing the best
games, learning activities, and other computer materials for your kids
can be tough. Sure you want your kids to have fun. But the best software
should do much more than just entertain. And you certainly don’t want to
waste your money by purchasing something that isn’t developmentally
appropriate for your children.

So how can you be sure you’re making wise choices when it comes to
software?

For starters, read reviews of any software you’re thinking about buying.
You’ll find reviews in a variety of places. Many computer and parenting
magazines feature new reviews in each issue, and online software
companies usually provide reviews of any products they carry. But aside
from that, consider these five elements when choosing software for your
kids:

1) Educational Value - Most good software programs explain the skills
the program teaches or reinforces. You’ll want to make sure a variety of
skills are taught with any program you purchase. Also make certain the
learning activities are age and developmentally appropriate for your
kids. If you aren’t sure what this means, this is where reviews will help,
and look for software packages that contain a user’s manual which gives
basic information about child development as it relates to the software.
And, of course you’ll want to choose programs that encourage creativity,
imagination, and exploration.

2) Design Features - First, you’ll want a program that is easy to install
and has several playing options. For example, a SAVE option so the
game or activity can be saved each time the child plays it, and maybe
even a PRINT option so the child can print out portions of his work. Next,
check to see that the program offers the learner (your child) clear
directions and on- screen help. If your child is a pre-reader you’ll want
the software to include icons or audio directions, as well. Finally, look for
outstanding graphics and a program that offers animation and sound.
After all, computer programs are competing with television for your
child’s attention and interest every day, so they must look and sound as
appealing as possible.

3) Fun Appeal - If kids don’t like a program it doesn’t matter how
educational it is. Again, read reviews to see what other kids and parents
say about it. Also, check to see that the program offers positive feedback
and methods for teaching children that could not be experienced in a
different media (through books or by the teacher at school, for example).

4) Value vs. Cost - Some programs can seem quite expensive, yet
they’re really a good value because they can be used over and over
again (without the child losing interest), plus they teach or reinforce a
variety of skills. Also, most high quality games and actitivites offer a
variety of levels appropriate and interesting for children of many different
ages.

5) Scary Images and/or Violence - Emily J. Johnson, Ph.D, assistant
professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse,
advises parents to “avoid scary images and violent themes found in
some software. Some children have particularly difficult times with scary
images - even if you don’t see them as scary. And regarding violence - it
isn’t that the child will necessarily turn around and become violent, too,
but he/she learns that violence is a way to solve problems. Plus, do you
really want your children ‘killing off bad guys’ just to learn a math
concept, for example?’”

Computer games and activities are quickly becoming part of the
educational experiences at childcare centers and schools across the
country. Talk to your children’s teachers to see which programs they
recommend, and also find out which programs your children are using
at school. There may be other programs you can purchase that would
coordinate well with these.

Donna Nelson, M.Ed., preschool teacher at the Francis Institute Child
Development Center in Kansas City, says, “the best type of computer
programs for young children are ones that offer a child many choices
and many ways to get to the right answer.” And Linda Bell, M.S.,
Coordinator of the Francis Institute, reminds us that “wise parents and
teachers will view computer programs as another tool to use to help
children learn - and not use them as a replacement for other
developmentally appropriate activities.”

Once you get the hang of it, choosing the best software for your kids
shouldn’t be that difficult. It just requires a little time and research.

Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, children’s author, and owner of
the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Find out more about her children’s books at http://www.suzannelieurance.com or read her daily food tips at http://www.threeangelsgourmet.blogspot.com

Share This

There is no doubt about it, using computer games is a great way to encourage children to expand their realm of thinking. Your options for entertaining your child may seem numbered. Many people allow their children to spend quite a bit of time in front of the television. But, what good does that do? If you want them to learn something while they are zoned out, you are completely lost. But, if you flip on the computer, download a great game, you may actually be able to encourage them to learn more and you will encourage good thinking skills as well.

Thinking is not something that everyone can do well. Now, we are referring here to the thought process that goes along with solving problems. For many children, this is something they struggle with. Mom or Dad always takes care of the problems. If something isn’t right, just call mom or dad. Even on the television, that is full of real life and imaginary “problems” that need to be solved, there is no encouragement for children to come up with the solution. What happens then? They just sit and watch and let someone else handle the problem.

But, what happens when they are older or in a situation where they have to solve the problem at hand? Do they know how to analyze their thoughts, ideas, and to find the right solution? Many don’t. But, if you would like your child to be the one who does know how to flip the switch on and solve the problem, consider allowing them to sit in front of the computer as opposed to the television.

Okay, so too much time in front of the computer isn’t much better, but there are ways to you make what time you do allow them to sit at the computer to be good times. This is you simply need to maximize what they are doing. There are several good games out there that can be used to stimulate thinking in children. For many people, this is the perfect way to go to encourage children to learn how to solve problems without letting them in on it! Yes, because games are fun, the child will not fight you on playing them. Much unlike a lesson plan, this way seems to encourage children to come back to the game time and time again, therefore getting the experiences they need to learn a thing or two.

But, what are these games? What are the options that are out there for your child? There are many games, and although we will only talk about a few here, find ones that will work well with your child. What are his or her likes and dislikes? Sports? Television characters? Perhaps they enjoy space or under water adventures. Search out those games that will intrigue them as well as encourage them to think.

Some to consider include Big Thinkers Kindergarten and the series of Freddi Fish Adventures as well as many other games specifically for children. These are mainly for younger children, but you’ll find many more for older children as well. In fact, consider giving your older kids more puzzle related games to help them along this course as well.

When you give your child the gift of being a problem solver, they will work through the situations that happen to them, big and small, without fear of not knowing how to handle them. They will be more likely to do well in the real world then. What’s more is that you can feel good about all that time they spend in front of the tube (even though it’s the computer not the television!)

Steve is a member of the GrandMatrix team. They provide a broad range of games, puzzles, articles and reviews. Read more articles, download and play the latest PC games for free plus enjoy thousands of user submitted puzzles, quizzes and word games at GrandMatrix Free Game Downloads

Share This