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