Making the Computer Child-Friendly

Source: Ian Britton FreeFoto.com

When I started having kids, I told myself I would not let them watch television, not let them use the computer -- well, not much. I wanted my kids to play outdoors, read books, and build things from scratch.

Today, while my children do play outdoors and enjoy reading books and building things from scratch, they also watch the television (forgive me, Father, for I have sinned), and yes, they do go on the computer a lot. My excuse? As a work-at-home mom locked up in my bedroom office at least eight hours a day, it's hard for me to make sure they stay off the computer. That's what I tell myself anyway. 

To keep them out of dangerous sites, I have installed K9 cyberprotection software. But it still worries me...

Then a friend, Abby Sasscer, from our online Catholic homeschool group on Facebook shared with us some child-friendly educational Web sites that she uses in homeschooling her kids. What a blessing! Now I can block all sites from my kids' user account and allow only these, and they will still never be bored (and yes, they will be learning good things too).

To pay the gift forward, I am now sharing with the rest of you the links that I have bookmarked from Abby's list:

• EWTNKids: Educational Web site by the EWTN Global Catholic Network. It offers a fun way to teach Catholic kids about their Church and their faith. All materials are free.
    
• Starfall.com: A kindergarten site perfect for teaching reading and early literacy. All materials are free.
    
• SpellingCity: Teach your kids not just spelling but also writing, parts of speech, alphabetical arrangement, and vocabulary. A lot of materials are free. Paid membership is only $25 per year, and allows you to register as many as five children!
    
• Sheppard Software: Provides excellent and free educational games for different grade levels. I enjoyed playing the games as much as my kid did (maybe even more, ha ha ha).
     
• Time4Learning: Provides state-standard curriculum, lesson plans, and activities for your kids. Even keeps records and portfolio for you. I call it the lazy mom's way to homeschool. My seven-year-old tried their demo lessons and practically begged me to register so that he could access the others. Cost is $20 per month for the first kid and $15 for all other kids that follow. We're trying it out with Josh for one month. If all goes well, we'll use it the rest of the year and add Bea next year when she enters first grade. I'll write a review soon. Watch out for it!