The Computer as a Learning Tool

On one of my many Yahoo Groups someone asked " Does anyone have any computer programs/games that they recommend for learning for young children? " And I having a rather extensive list decided to turn my reply into a post.

I love good children's software. Some children just connect with the information because they "think" they are goofing around... especially reluctant learners. I was rewarded a grant while teaching to buy software for my classroom. I taught in an urban, 97% free lunch, 2nd grade classroom. If there is a shooting in the paper... it is usually from this neighborhood. My kids ranged from pre-K - 5th grade levels depending on the subject. I used the software to teach a portion of my class while I worked in small groups. Because of this I required a lot from my choices... not only did it have to be engaging, it had to teach a skill - no fluff, and it had to have excellent on-screen instructions so the children could work independently. The software I selected filled that need and with the acquisition of a Smartboard I could successfully work with groups of 5 while REAL learning was going on independently, at individualized levels in the back of the room. If you are considering buying software google a software review site like Superkids and read what others have to say.

A few of my grant software choice...



I plan on making computer time a part of our Friday school activities this fall. G loves the computer. Here is a list of online sites and CDs I plan to use this school year. I know the list is HUGE but I got many of the Cds very cheap. Many came from Menard's believe it or not and most of the others came from the coupon flier that often comes in the Sunday paper for cheap software {btw not cheap today when I checked the link so wait for a sale}, also the library's used book sale is a great resource. I rarely pay over $3-5.

Online Lessons
Starfall - reading
Study Dog - reading (get it free here)
Game Goo - reading
Dance Mat Typing -(thanks Dana)
Brainpop Jr.- all subjects
Jan Brett - drawing lessons
Wild Animal Cams - Type wildcam in the search box for current cams

Online Fun
Chateau Meddybemps
Up to Ten
Jig Zone
Chess Kids Academy

Cd Critical Thinking
Freddie Fish
Putt-Putt
Pajama Sam
Moop & Dreadly
Thinkin' Things All Around Frippletown
Tonka
Space Station
Search and Rescue
Firefighter
Tonka Town
Rescue Heroes
Meteor Madness
Lava Landslide

Cd Reading
Phonics Success (12 Cds... got mine cheap at Big Lots)
Living Books
Stellaluna
Arthur's Teacher Trouble
The Cat in the Hat
Franklin
Reader Rabbit Reading Ages 4-6
Reading Blaster Jr
Reading Blaster 6-7

Cd Science
Thinkin' Science (G just started playing this one and is hooked!)
The Magic School Bus: Explores the Ocean
The Magic School Bus: Explores Bugs

Cd General
I'm ready for Kindergarten: Huggly's Sleepover
Big Thinkers! Kindergarten

Cd Writing/ Creativity
Kid Pix

Cd Math
Money Town

Carnival of Homeschooling #78

Scrub up for some interesting reads in this weeks Carnival at Homeschool Hacks.

Yee Haa

We rode on our first parade float.
Our church was promoting Vacation Bible School.
It was great fun except G ran out of candy before
we reached the main street. Live and Learn.

Batter Up!

In what sport does the second base runner field
the ball before running to third base?
4-5 year old T-ball!! Ha Ha, I never knew T-ball was so fun.
G said he really likes it because you don't get tired.
TIP: Have trouble finding your fielding position?
Draw a circle around yourself in the dirt.
Whew, you should see him search if it gets erased. LOL

Carnival of Homeschooling #77

Here's one Trip that won't cost $3.00 per gallon.

Carnival of Homeschooling #76

Grab you lemonade, shades and relax at the beach with Kris.

What's on Your Fridge?

After receiving a couple of meme tags I wondered who starts them and where they come from. Sooo... I thought I would start one... though I am sure it is not original but I've never seen it. What's on your fridge? Even though all the clutter-design shows say it is not a bulletin board the rest of the world says it is. So show me your fridge!! I am tagging anyone who reads this as well as Only a Boy, Trivium Academy, School for Us, Run Jen Run (not a HS momma), and Painted Rainbows & Chamomile Tea. Leave me a comment so I can check out your fridge. LOL

8 Things About Me

Nina at Painted Rainbows and Chamomile Tea tagged me for an 8 Things About Me meme. So here goes...

1. I have two teaching certificates, K12 Art Education (1992) and 1-8 Elementary (2000).
2. My first teaching assignment...High School Home Ec
3. I always wish I were brave enough to be a war or National Geographic photographer.
4. Public speaking to a group of adults...terrifies me
4b. When I get nervous I speak with a southern twang.
5. I am thinking of stopping our current yearly donations (1,2,3 universities, SPL) and sending that money to a school in Appalachia.
6. I love going to the Gulf of Mexico
7. Researching genealogy thrills me
8. I judge High School gymnastics

I am tagging School for Us to continue this meme.
Many of my favorite mom's have already been a part of this meme in some form... A Dusty Frame, History is Elementary, Mother Crone, Trivium Academy,

Carnival of Homeschooling #75

Buzz on over to Homeschool Buzz for the latest Carnival.