Take advantage of your kids' love of the computer

Your kids would sit in front of the computer all summer if you let them. If only they liked their textbooks as much. But unfortunately, they don’t. They like technology… and the internet.

They like the images, the sound effects and the interactive nature of it. It engages them and consumes them. They like having independence and control over what they’re doing. Some have called it the “luminescent effect”, which compares a child’s attraction to the computer with a moth seeking light after darkfall. So, why not use this to your advantage?

Summertime doesn’t necessarily mean that learning should be put on hold. Of course, you want your kids to enjoy their time off, but at the same time, you don’t want them to fall victim to summer learning loss. Using the computer as an educational outlet can help minimize backsliding and carry your child’s learning momentum into the summer months. In fact, there are some really good online learning tools, including a website that offers elementary through high school level students writing instruction taught by certified teachers.

Taking their learning to the computer is a great way to expose your kids to summer learning without making them run away screaming. You already know they like the computer, so you’ve already got half the battle won!

Could you live without your computer?

Can you live without a computer?

A friend and I were recently talking about the power of the internet. When I began homeschooling I did not even own a computer. It was still not a standard item in every home. I look back and wonder how in the world I ever did it?

How did I ever manage without e-mail? I love that I can communicate at any hour of the day. With children it allows me to give and receive information after my kids are in bed. I love that e-mail allows me to think concisely about what I want to say.

I love the web. My children not only do all their school on-line, but it actually does all the scoring for them. I don't have to worry about record keeping. I get to come alongside them as they work to make sure they are understanding concepts, but leave the teaching to the the computer.

I love the on-line community as it helps me stay connected without leaving my home so I can stay on top of the important needs of my family, but not feel isolated. I love the encouragement and fellowship of talking with other mama's.

How about you? Can you imagine your life without a computer? How would that work?