How to use the computer as a tool to be creative

[jilson41]

We've always really restricted computer time for my almost 7 year old--mainly looking at photos or very rarely letting her play around at PBS kids.

Last month on an unexpected day home from school, she created a story in Word, learning how to insert page breaks, correct spelling errors, etc.  It was a great learning experience for her and she had a lot of fun creating a story in a way different way.  We printed it out and she illustrated it.  I felt absolutely fine about letting her spend hours on the computer for this creative endeavor.  

Since then I've been a little more relaxed about letting her use the computer, but I really want her to use it as a tool for her creativity rather than just playing mindless games.

I'd love any suggestions you have for creative computer time for a 7 yo.

Thanks!

Jill

[CarrieMF]

My kids use the computer to write stories, use powerpoint & make slideshows.  

We have a mac so they will do creative stuff in photo booth & use the webcam to take photos/videos of themselves.  They also get free educational apps.

They go on Mathletics & practice math.  they are starting to use Glogster to make online posters(not available for everyone to see).

They use imovie(movie maker on a pc) to put make videos & sync them up to songs.

[ollyoxenfree]

A few things my kids have done: 

1. Stop motion animation. Do you have a digital camera? She can make models in playdough or use Lego mini-figs.  

2. Scratch is free software for digital animation. It's a lot of fun and very easy to use. 

3. Paint programs are also fun. 

4. Movie making - video and sound editing - they were a little older when they started doing this, but I think the software programs are pretty easy to use these days. 

5. Scrapbooking - Usually DD likes to edit photos on the computer, print them and put them into traditional scrapbooks, but there are lots of digital scrapbooking options. She's made some very nice photobooks on the computer. 

[jilson41]

Thanks so much!  These are great suggestions.  

We've watched clay and lego stop motion animation videos on YouTube and think they're supercool.  We also have a Mac, I'll have to introduce her to photobooth and maybe will save the video stuff for when she's mastered that.  I'm not very good with this myself, so it will be a learning process for me, too.

Funny, I just met with her teacher this morning and I want to work with her more on math.  It turns out she has very good intuitive math skills but is not good at test-taking.  We'll have to check out mathletics.

I really appreciate these ideas and would be happy to hear more.

Jill

[mum5]

what great ideas! I love the mathletics site also. thanks!

[ecoteat]

My middle school students all have MacBooks in school and we have a program called Comic Life that they really like. They make comic strips with it to tell stories and give presentations.

[karne]

My middle schooler has been doing a months-long power point activity, basically documenting herself in one of her sports activities, and adding commentary.  It's really interesting.  She's planning on showing it to her class at school, almost like an independent project.

My 8 y/o is more "consuming" than creating at this point, ie PBS Kids, Lego website.  I think it's great that your 7 y/o created a story on Word!

[mamanicki]

Don't underestimate the educational value in computer games! There are mindless games but many are incredibly educational. Right now my kids, ages almost 5-16, are all enjoying Zoo Tycoon (lessons in keeping animals alive and well, running a business, etc), Mindcraft (cooperative game play if you find a server, participants work together to create some of the most incredibly creative things out of basic blocks), Cut the Rope & Angry Birds (iphone App - great problem-solving and physics), Words with Friends (group play with friends, spelling). Obviously some of these games require that a child can read and spell but some are great for all ages. If a game enthralls both my 4 year old daughter and 16 year old son and they both come away learning something, I think that's pretty amazing!