-=> Quoting Theresa Merkling to Regina Finan <=-
 -=> Quoting Regina Finan to All <=-
 
 
 RF> How many of you use a computer to teach?  We just built one for the
 RF> kids. I found a few learning games, but they seem a little tooo
 RF> childish.  My kids get bored with them easily and they also seem too
 RF> easy.  The kids are loving it.  I don't want to use the computer for
 RF> everything, but I would like to find a few things that will help.  I
 RF> already have spelling voice, a spelling bee, math rescue, and a world
 RF> map.  I would like to find a social studies or science program.  Has
 RF> anyone heard of Sammy's Science House (or something like that)?  Any
 RF> suggestions would be appreciated. 
 TM> Hi Regina,
 TM> Just had to drop you a line after reading your message... I have a
 TM> growing collection of educational software (which I buy as part of
 TM> my biz) but had to say that while it's fun and great, I don't use it
 TM> to teach per se, but rather as reinforcement and fun drill.  You
 TM> didn't mention the ages of your children... Sammy's is good (most of
 TM> the Edmark titles are) but kind of on the younger side... I'd get it
 TM> for my 5 year old, but not my 8 year old.  Some titles we have that
 TM> we like a lot are: Trudy's Time and Place house (teaches time
 TM> concepts: clocks, seasons, etc. and geography).  Both of the girls
 TM> like this one - another Edmark title... Edmark also came out with
 TM> some new math games that come in various levels.  My five year old
 TM> plays the Carnival Countdown and we have Mighty Math Number Heroes
 TM> for the 8 year old.  These make math fun.  Sierra has several good
 TM> titles out including the new Sierra Schoolhouse (formerly Adi's
 TM> Comprehensive English, Math, and Science) - these are super for
 TM> reinforcing materials covered in a kind of fun/workbook manner.  We
 TM> have Adi's English 2/3.  My 8 year old begs to play it.  It is good
 TM> for drill, but doesn't have actual teaching that I'd want to see to
 TM> count it as curriculum on it's own.  We also enjoy Thinking Things,
 TM> the Jumpstart Series and for older kids, any of the Trail Series: I
 TM> have Africa Trail and have played Oregon as well.  Lots of fun.
 TM> Guess that's some of the highlights of programs I personally own and
 TM> we use.  TTYL!
 TM> Theresa
 Sara is 8 and is academically very smart, but is really computer illiterate.
 She does doesn't understand it very well (that means playing a game is
 somewhat difficult for her unless it is a stratgy game. Jeremy is also 8 and
 is ADHD/ODD.  He is very mechanically bright and is very good at computers 
and
 games of most types.  Academically he has trouble because of the ADHD.
 Jonathon is 11.  His IQ scores show low, but they believe that is caused by
 depression (ADD).  He scores very good at mental math, but has trouble on
 paper.  Loves computer games.  I know some of the programs I got are a 
ittle
 young, but since I am teaching them this is more of a review to see where
 some of the problems lie.
 Regina
... "Scotty, beam me up another Blue Wave message."
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