Educational DVDs, computer games, extras
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:29 pm
Ladies,
I'm in the (crazy, nerve wracking, overwhelming) lovely "scheduling the entire day/week" phase
of preparing to begin HOD in about a month! It has been so fun to pore over all of the schedules, read threads chock full of ideas, etc. I'm inspired and armed with many tools to use in this planning process. One thing I have noticed on many Mom's schedules is the strategic use of educational "screen time". I found one thread with a few lovely ideas and I've generated some of my own. However, I'd love to have some more ideas to add to my list as I consider what to purchase, borrow from the library, etc. I'd really like to add Educational software as my boys LOVE to play on the computer. But I am also interested in DVD series that would complement our studies or our Christian faith! Some of the ideas I have generated include:
Liberty's Kids
Drive Thru History
Signing Time for the youngers
Nest Family Entertainment
Magic School Bus
Little House on the Prairie
Mathtacular
Newton's Workshop
Moody Science Adventures
Leap Frog for the Pre-K set
Starfall (pre-K)
Wii (we do use this 2-3x a week and it's VERY active!)
Those are all DVDs (for the most part) so I'm lacking in the computer software department. I prefer to monitor/control the boys' access to the computer and I've not loved letting them "play" a game on a website b/c of the advertising and the ease of accidentally clicking on something. That has happened! So, I'm more inclined to use a CD-rom or some kind of software. I am open to any and all ideas. I'd also LOVE "workout DVDs for kids" - something that would get them moving, jumping, exercising!! Oh, I'd really enjoy that and so would they. Aerobics for kids or dance or . . . ?? I want and need to plug things in for all of the kiddos. Having a bit of screen time daily is a HUGE motivator for one of my sons. He struggles to stay on task and knowing that he can earn a 30 minute "slot" (Mom's choice on a weekly schedule but still . . . it IS screen time ) is helpful. I also like the DVDs for long weeks or rainy, cold weather when we're stuck in the house . . .
I'm in the (crazy, nerve wracking, overwhelming) lovely "scheduling the entire day/week" phase
of preparing to begin HOD in about a month! It has been so fun to pore over all of the schedules, read threads chock full of ideas, etc. I'm inspired and armed with many tools to use in this planning process. One thing I have noticed on many Mom's schedules is the strategic use of educational "screen time". I found one thread with a few lovely ideas and I've generated some of my own. However, I'd love to have some more ideas to add to my list as I consider what to purchase, borrow from the library, etc. I'd really like to add Educational software as my boys LOVE to play on the computer. But I am also interested in DVD series that would complement our studies or our Christian faith! Some of the ideas I have generated include:Liberty's Kids
Drive Thru History
Signing Time for the youngers
Nest Family Entertainment
Magic School Bus
Little House on the Prairie
Mathtacular
Newton's Workshop
Moody Science Adventures
Leap Frog for the Pre-K set
Starfall (pre-K)
Wii (we do use this 2-3x a week and it's VERY active!)
Those are all DVDs (for the most part) so I'm lacking in the computer software department. I prefer to monitor/control the boys' access to the computer and I've not loved letting them "play" a game on a website b/c of the advertising and the ease of accidentally clicking on something. That has happened! So, I'm more inclined to use a CD-rom or some kind of software. I am open to any and all ideas. I'd also LOVE "workout DVDs for kids" - something that would get them moving, jumping, exercising!! Oh, I'd really enjoy that and so would they. Aerobics for kids or dance or . . . ?? I want and need to plug things in for all of the kiddos. Having a bit of screen time daily is a HUGE motivator for one of my sons. He struggles to stay on task and knowing that he can earn a 30 minute "slot" (Mom's choice on a weekly schedule but still . . . it IS screen time
) is helpful. I also like the DVDs for long weeks or rainy, cold weather when we're stuck in the house . . . 
We've recently installed Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego and have had fun with it as well. We've done Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego in the past and they've enjoyed that. Math Missions is another one that they have really enjoyed. We have the K-2 and they are ready to try the 3-5. We have the software that goes with Singapore Math as well. The first one Rainbow Rock was a big hit, but so far they are not liking Vroot Vroom too well. I think it is because they are trying to do the 4th grade level instead of 3rd, but I'm not for sure. Those are some of our favorites. 
singsongyoga.com And yes, this is a plug because I'm friends with the girl who made the dvd, and my husband helped produce it, lol, but is really top notch! 