How to Use Educational Software With Children

It's important to help children learn how to use computers and educational software. Young children can quickly become frustrated if they don't know how to use the program, which will slow their learning down or even make them give up. You'll probably learn a thing or two yourself when you use educational software with your children.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Use Educational Software with Children

1. Set aside a specific time each day to use educational software with your children. You should aim for at least a half-hour session during the school year and possibly more during the summer. Try to focus each session on just one or two subjects.

2. Teach your child about proper computer use. Encourage your child to sit up straight to help reinforce correct posture. You also want to be sure that your child is gentle with the computer and never eats or drinks around it.

3. Watch your child use educational software and only help him when he's stuck. It's important to let your child do the work and begin to explore and learn on his own. After several weeks, your child probably won't require constant supervision.

4. Check to make sure your child is doing lessons that are appropriate for her current school studies. If she's having trouble in math, then you need to have her spend the majority of her time working on math lessons. Talk to her teachers to help coordinate the most effective use of educational software at home.

5. Restrict the total amount of time your child spends at the computer. Even if he loves working with his educational software, your child needs to spend time doing other things, such as playing outside. Set a daily time limit on computer use and include educational software when you calculate it.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to be sure that the program gives you a way to track your child's progress. You should encourage perfect scores on each lesson before moving on to the next one.
• You may want to find a program that uses common TV or book characters to help create interest in your child.
• Be sure to get software that addresses your child's learning disabilities if she has any.
• Your child might get bored quickly if he has to use the same programs at home and at school. Ask his teachers which educational software the school runs.
• Don't force children to use educational software more than 5 days out of the week.