Online learning for kids

[chilliepepper]

First, I will say that I am VERY new to all this. This is my first time in the homeschool forum. I'm not a frequent poster on MDC, but it's a place that I visit from time to time when I want to learn something. Hope you don't mind my popping in.

I don't know whether I'll homeschool or not (My 2 sons are currently age 4 and 2). However, I am beginning to research it and have been looking into some of the resources available for homeschooling families. Even if I don't end up homeschooling, it seems I can learn a lot from homeschoolers and homeschool resources, which can help me to supplement whatever my kids do at school. They currently go to preschool two mornings a week, but I have been looking for things to do on the other days to keep them engaged so that they don't end up in front of the TV.

Which brings me to my question. In reading some of the reviews of homeschool curriculums here at MDC, I came across a couple of web-based reading curriculums. I think one of them is "Progressive Phonics." I checked it out, and it looked kind of fun. I like that it's free.

So far, my DS age 4 shows NO interest in learning to read. We try to read to both of our kids a decent amount, but I haven't wanted to push him to learn to read, because I don't want him to hate it. But I have a feeling he would really enjoy the little computer-based reading activities.

So I was thinking about starting through some of it with him, but I'm wondering what concerns there might be with children learning in this way. I know that some people feel that even "educational" programming like Sesame Street, while it does teach them about stuff they need to know, isn't good for their brains in the long run. I'm not sure what to think about this, but I try very hard to limit their screen time---sometimes not very successfully, but I do try. So I'm wondering if cracking open the wide world of computer-based learning might not be the greatest idea. Does computer-learning fall into the same category as "educational" TV, in that yes, it might help them to learn something, but might not be good for their brains? I would love to try it because it looks fun and easy (and it's FREE)---but I don't want to start down a road that I might not want to stay on.

Does that make sense at all? I would love to hear some opinions from you homeschool veterans, and homeschool newbies---well, all of you!

Thanks.

[Dakota's Mom]

Starfall.com is a great site for beginning readers or prereaders. You are right about not pushing him to read. Usually if you push a child they will grow up not liking it. Let him come to reading at his own pace. Until then, keep reading to him as much as you can.

Kathi

[chilliepepper]

Kathi, thanks for your response. So would you say that you wouldn't have any concerns with the increased screen time that it would cause for a child, to be using a computer to learn to read? Or would this be like adding another half hour of Sesame Street per day?

[Dakota's Mom]

I'm not worried about screen time at all. Before my son was 2 we did not allow any screen time. I don't think it's good for their brain development. But he is 7 now and lives in a family of computer geeks. We each have our own computers. In fact, DH and I each have two a laptop and a desk top. DS has had his own since he was three. So he has way too much access to screens via computer, tv, and video games.

DS does still go to Starfall and a few other educational sites because he likes the games. He also does Time4Learning for his homeschool program. T4L is an online program that offers math, science, language arts, and social studies. It's pretty inexpensive. And he loves it. To me the learning value far outweighs whatever concerns people have about too much time on the computer. But that's my personal opinion. You have to decide what's best for your child and your family.

Kathi

[chilliepepper]

Thanks, Kathi. That makes sense. We are somewhat of a geek family, too---not quite as many computers per capita as you but close! Maybe I just need to accept the inevitable LOL!

Thanks for your input.

Amy

[Catherine12]

Though I don't of any research to back this up, I personally feel that watching TV is different than using a computer - on the computer you are doing something interactive, not just passively receiving. I don't have any qualms about letting my kids do educational computer activities as much as they want to (I suppose I would become concerned if they were at the computer all day, but they seem to naturally self-limit).

I also recommend starfall.com. It's been a big help for us, especially since dd is often resistant to doing parent-guided reading (she likes to be in control and computer games allow her more of that).

We've also enjoyed the Reader Rabbit games, which can be purchased fairly cheaply. And of course there are many other educational titles out there.

ETA: Also, learning to use a computer is in itself a worthwhile educational goal, in this day and age.

[eilonwy]

I've never been one to worry much about screen time at all. If my kids stopped showing interest in anything but the screens, I'd be a lot more tense about it... but my kids would rather be playing outside with the neighbors or crawling around on all fours pretending to be kittens.

I love Starfall, but I have to say this: If your four year old isn't interested in learning to read, I wouldn't make an issue of it at all. Some kids that age *are* interested, some will drag it out of you regardless, and some are much more interested in other aspects of life. Some kids really prefer a structured day and some prefer a more freestyle approach. It's all quite individual, especially at this age. No need to worry about it if he's just not there.

[Lillian J]

I'm worn out from a very full day of projects, but I can at least post a link to this discussion thread that I think you'll find interesting - delayed reading instruction. - Lillian

[Niamh]

chilliepepper, I don't worry too much about screen time for my kids. I'm more addicted to my computer than they could be. They spend a lot of time playing, crafting, and running around outside.

When they do want to watch a show or play on the computer, I have no issue with it. They have their favorite sites - I actually bought a subscription to Reading Eggs because my oldest daughter liked it well enough. Starfall is another good one. They also have JumpStart and Zoombini games that they like.

Go to this website and look on the left hand side. Under 'For Investigators' she has tons of awesome websites catalogued. Her website is worth its weight in gold whether you're homeschooling or just looking for great crafts or websites.