Ways to Keep Learning Fun

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

16 Dec 2006 09:56 PM

In my earlier homeschooling years, I was adamant about keeping learning fun. In order to make the children want to learn I purchased learning games that seemed a lot more like playing than learning. I felt they were burned out from having negative experiences in school, so while I wanted them to continue learning, I also wanted them to have lots of fun. Here are some titles that you might want to look at:

Leapfrog makes numerous items that are fun to play with and great for learning. Starting with crib toys through to Little Leap Pads, you will develop the minds of your babies and toddlers. Moving up to the preschool ages, you will find the LeapPad and the Leapster to be great educational games. As your child moves into elementary school, you will want to purchase the more mature versions of the Leapster games and the twist and shout multiplication and spelling games. With Leapfrog games, even older children can have fun with the Iquest and the Fly system.

The Learning Company is known for its computer software learning games. Titles like Reader Rabbit for every age from three to grade 3 will capture your children's interest, and make you compete for computer time. Older kids will enjoy Zoombinis Logical Journey, Learning Adventures Workshop, Kids Edge and much more. My kids especially enjoyed the Learning Adventures Programs (now bundled under Kids Edge). This "game" was set up so the user could solve a Scooby Doo type mystery, but to get to the answer, they had to solve grade level questions in math, reading, writing, spelling, history, and even critical thinking. When they were done playing, I could use the parents section of the software to see where they needed more work, and where they were doing well. How cool is that? They would beg to play longer.

Vtech V.Smile TV Learning System is the newest competitor in the business of learning games. This learning system is made primarily for lower grades. It is essentially a game system with titles made specifically for the Vtech game system. Titles include Disney's Little Mermaid, Spider-Man and Friends, Scooby Doo, Lion King, and Cinderella.

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Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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