| Author | |
lovemy4
Forum Newbie
Joined: July 29 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 40
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 7:50pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Hi all, I am new here and starting Grade 1 with my twins and Kindergarten with my 4 yr old.
Up to now I have not used computer or internet with the kids but am now considering it to help keep kids occupied. My 6 yr old boy needs me sitting at his side to get most things done since he has an attention problem (as well as other issues). My 6 yr girl finishes things quickly and is *bored* and I often don't get to the four year old  (This has to change since he is clearly bored and ready to read)
Can anyone recommend computer programs they like for kids or online resources? Does anyone know of a GREAT internet filter?
Thanks in Advance
Ren
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CandaceC
Forum Pro
Joined: June 03 2007
Location: Tennessee
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 413
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 9:33pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
My girls have been loving the typing program found here:
It is geared for younger kids and my girls are learning to type properly! :)
The other thing we did to encourage typing skills and just basic computer skills is we created an email account for my girls. The only people who have their addresses are mommy,daddy, nana and grandma.
They have learned to check email, type short responses - figuring out spelling, etc, themselves. Sometimes my husband sends a neat link he comes across, like one was a link of pictures of baby animals, etc. The girls have loved doing this and checking their email! 
ETA: here is the correct link, I hope!
Elementary kids typing website
__________________
Candace - wife to David since 2000...mommy to Hannah (Feb. 2002), Emily (April 2003) and Caleb (March 2005)
His Mercy Is New
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
KauaiCatholic
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 25 2009
Location: Hawaii
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 535
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 9:50pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
wow ... that typing program looks great! I've heard people talk about typing for kids but I didn't realize it was designed for such young kids. thanks, Candace!
Ren, have you tried Starfall? I'm sure there are more out there but this is our fallback.
and if your DD likes mazes or hidden picture games, we've been pleased with the CDs that come with some of those SchoolZone books (they also do the PencilPal ones for PK and K). sorry I don't have a link; we buy ours at WalMart.
good luck keeping everybody educated and entertained at the same time! 
__________________
 Viviane
Grateful mama of Jonah Augustine ('01), Sophia Marie ('05) and Luke Dominic ('10)
We can do no great things; only small things with great love. -- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: July 30 2009 at 6:36am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I also enjoy Starfall occassionally. I keep one more bookmarked for the kids - Math is Fun. I think Jodie (JodieLyn) recommended it one time and we've used it ever since.
I wanted to mention another site I use ALL THE TIME - not so much letting the kids go there, but in going there myself and printing fun things for the kids to do - Enchanted Learning. I used the free site for a few months and found I was printing so many neat things for them there that I decided to pay the $20 annual fee so I could have access to the members features. I really like this site! I like their Monthly Activity Calendars. It seems no matter what we're studying about - there is a printable for it here! My kids particularly love the weather printables. Lots here for every age! Just wanted to throw it out there as an option for your planning. 
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: July 30 2009 at 6:37am | IP Logged
|
|
|
This is cute, Candace!! Thank you!! You saved me some time! I was going to hunt for something like this for my little fellas. 
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lovemy4
Forum Newbie
Joined: July 29 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 40
|
| Posted: July 30 2009 at 7:10am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks! Wow, these suggestions are GREAT! I never used / heard of any of them.
I tried the typing program with my boy this morning and he loved it! YIPEE and I think Mathisfun will be very helpful too since he loves the computers but no so much math 
Thanks so much. I am curious, how many have a dedicated computer for their kids? Good /Bad idea? We have a lap top in the kitchen area but it's slowly dying....thinking of a standard computer just for school?
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CandaceC
Forum Pro
Joined: June 03 2007
Location: Tennessee
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 413
|
| Posted: July 30 2009 at 7:55am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi again,
I have a laptop that I use, it's relatively new.
When we got the laptop, we put the old desk top in the school/play room and it only has on it internet and old games for the kids.
On this computer, we have 2 "accounts." When you turn on the computer it says "kids" or "admin." The kids click on their button and ALL they see are their options. My hubby clicks on "admin" to get to anything else on the computer.
I am usually in the same room with my kids when they are on the computer.
__________________
Candace - wife to David since 2000...mommy to Hannah (Feb. 2002), Emily (April 2003) and Caleb (March 2005)
His Mercy Is New
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Computer use in homeschool
