Question:
How do I shop for educational software?
Value for your money
When shopping for children's educational software, look for programs that will grow with your child. Software is an investment and it's financially better to invest in something that will last longer.
Look for programs with different levels that your child can graduate to. It is also helpful if the program can identify different players. This way you can have more than one child (different ages) use the program at their own level.
Plug and play
Software for children should be easy to use. A child should be able to open the case, place the CD in the computer and begin playing with little or no fuss.
Re-play-ability
When looking for software it is wise to purchase program that are re-playable, that is, your child will not complete it and then be bored. A software program that is replayable offers a higher play value for your child and more value for your money.
A program that is replayable is one that will "change" each time it is played so that the player cannot just memorize the sequences. It will be a new and exciting challenge each time.
Junk Software-Junkfood for the brain
Not all software is created equal. Just as there is "junk TV", there is also "junk software". The main difference being that with TV, our children are simply watching the action take place. With software programs, they are actually "participating" in the actions. Look for software that offers progressive challenges-software that will grow with your child. Look for replayability-many programs are written to react differently each time you play so that it's not the same game twice. Research the programs-how reputable is the software manufacturer? Much information can be found by third party sources such as Family PC Magazine.
Child Education Frequently Asked Questions
How can I teach my child science?
How can I understand what the teacher says about my child?
How can I teach my children at home?
What is something fun and educational I can do with my children?
What does a child get out of learning a second language?
How do I teach my child financial responsibility?
How can I bridge the gap between school and home?
How do I teach my child a new language?
How do I shop for educational software?
When should I read to my child?
How can I get my child to read?
Can I stop reading to my child now that he can read?
How does a kinesthetic learner learn?
How does a tactile learner learn?
How do I teach my child simple math concepts?
Why should I teach my child a second language?
How do I decide what to pay my child for an allowance?
How does a visual learner learn?
How does an auditory learner learn?
What makes a good software program?
What are infants learning at such a young age?
When should I start reading to my child?
Do babies get anything out of being read to?
What does the teacher mean when she says motor skills?
How do I keep my children learning outside of school?
How do I help my child build fine motor skills?
Why should I worry about educating my children?
Who is responsible for educating children?
How do I help my child build visual skills?
How do I help my child´s self esteem?
Why are building blocks important?
What outdoor games can I play with children?
How do I know if a software program is good?
How do I communicate with my child?
How do I teach math to a preschooler?
Should I help my child with homework?
What do I do if my child only wants to read comic books?
How do I teach my child responsibility?
When should I teach my child a new language?
How do I bridge the gap between school and home?
How do I work with my child´s teachers?
How do I keep my children learning outside of school?
How will my child learn how to write?
How does a child learn how to hold a pencil?
What does my child learn by running around and climbing?
Why should I read to an infant?
Why does my toddler like to run and climb so much?
When are kids too old to be read to?
I´m not a teacher, isn´t it the school´s job to educate?
Whose responsibility is educating our children?
Why is my preschooler so stubborn?
What is the most important gift I can give my child?
How do I bring my family closer together?
How do I get my kids to enjoy school?
How do I leave a legacy for my children?
Why do children like silly games?
How many times do I have to read the same book to my child?
How can I encourage my toddler´s writing skills?
Do I need to know everything to homeschool my children?
How do I keep my toddler involved in a story?
Do children learn all the time?
Do children learn all the time?
How can I encourage coordination and balance in my preschooler?
What are good construction toys?
How do I teach my children to be organized?
Does my child need a library card?
When should my child get a library card?
How do I know what my child needs?
How do I acquire early screening for speech and language for my 4 year old.
How can I teach students who are not necessarily "Book Smart"?
How can I make sure ALL my students are grasping my lessons in class.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
