Are you looking for a new educational site for your children?

Since we do not give our children a great deal of time on the computer, I do not actively search for new sites.  Our kids have a few educational sites which they enjoy and therefore they simply go to those sites when they have computer time.

Lately I realized it was probably time that we added some new sites to the mix.  Like I said I don’t typically search out educational sites.  However if a parent recommends a site that their own children enjoy, I usually take a look at it.

The most recent sites I was made aware of are iknowthat.com and starfall.com

iknowthat.com has activities for preschoolers through grade six in a variety of subject areas.

One thing I do not like about this site is the advertisements on the side.  I do not like having to worry about what my child may click while playing.

Starfall.com is designed for beginning readers.  The activities work with letter recognition and phonetics to help preschoolers and early elementary aged children develop and/or strengthen their reading skills.

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Friday’s Discussion Topic:

Are parents setting a bad example when it comes to technology?

In the past I have discussed how children today are overloaded with technology.  From watching too much television to playing video games for hours.  But what about parents?  Are we using technology too often and setting a bad example?

This week I went to a carnival at my daughter’s preschool.  Kids and parents were playing bingo, doing crafts and playing musical chairs.  As I stood watching my child march to the music, I started to notice a number of parents playing with their phones.

As my daughter was marching in a circle she would smile or wave each time she passed by me.  I felt sorry for the children who marched by their parent with a smile, only to find their parent not paying attention.

I also feel sad when I see parents talking on the phone when they pick up their children from school.  Shouldn’t they be taking the time to ask about their child’s day?

I admit that I am not perfect.  I admit that at times I am checking email or talking on my cell phone when I could be playing with my children.  However when I volunteer at school or take my children to a school activity, I make sure that they have 100% of my attention.  I make sure that they know I am there for them and that their activities are important.  I also make a point to not talk on the phone when I drop my kids off and pick them up from school.

What are your thoughts on technology in today’s society?

Friday Discussion Question:

What do you think of DVD players in the car?

I would have to say I have mixed feelings about this topic.  When my husband and I went to buy our family vehicle, we decided that we did not want to have a vehicle with a DVD player in it.  We felt that it would be too easy to put in a movie for any occasion. I have to say I am very happy with our decision.

I will admit that on a long trip we will bring the portable DVD player and let the kids watch a movie.  My definition of long trip is anything longer than 2 hours in the car.  However we found that watching movies in the car make my daughter car sick, so most times we don’t even use it.

I do not think it is right when parents put in a movie when they are simply doing day-to-day activities.  Why does a child need to watch a movie on their way to school?  Aren’t children in front of the TV and computer enough these days?

I think the car is a great place to talk with your kids about their day or plans for the week.  Why are parents turning on the DVD player instead of taking the time to talk with their children?

I also think it is good for children to simply look out the window and observe what is going on around them.  Let them look at the trees, buildings, people, etc.  Their minds need time to think and be creative, not entertained by a video.

Do you use the self checkout when you go to the grocery store?

This simple task is a great learning activity for children.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to teach your child life skills.

Too often as parents we are in a rush and do things for our children because it is faster.  The more often we tie their shoes or zip their coats, the fewer chances we are giving them to learn how to do these things on their own.

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Have you ever used the site called Wordle?

It is a very basic site but the possibilities are endless!

You simply put in a bunch of words or letters and it creates what the site calls “word clouds”.

I just found out about this site but have already started to think of a number of ways this can be used for all ages.  Both beginning and advanced readers will enjoy word activities with this site.

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