Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

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abrightmom
Posts: 474
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 5:56 pm

Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by abrightmom » Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:29 pm

Ladies,

I'm in the (crazy, nerve wracking, overwhelming) lovely "scheduling the entire day/week" phase :D 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 :mrgreen:
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 :D ) is helpful. I also like the DVDs for long weeks or rainy, cold weather when we're stuck in the house . . . :D :D
Katrina 8) Wife to Ben, husband extraordinaire! God is so good!
DS21, DS20, DD18
Levi DS14

pjdobro
Posts: 1491
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:45 pm

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by pjdobro » Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:04 pm

Some of my dc's favorite games are some classic ones like Freddy Fish, Pajama Sam, Spy Fox, and Zoombinis. We recently got the Liberty Kids software and after watching some of the actual show, they really enjoyed playing reporter and making their own newspaper article about the events of the Revolutionary war. I had fun with it too. :wink: 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. :D
Patty in NC

b/g twins '02 Rev2Rev 2014/15
previously enjoyed LHFHG, BLHFHG, Bigger, Preparing, CTC, RTR
******
Nisi Dominus Frusta (Without God, frustration)
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1

creativemommy
Posts: 304
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:01 pm
Location: USA

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by creativemommy » Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:11 pm

My son really enjoys the CD-Rom Crazy Machines as it lets him problem solve various "experiments" and create his own crazy machines. My husband and I even enjoy playing it when we have the chance. :wink:

Do you have the Just Dance Kids game for the Wii? That is filled with lots of fun songs & gets the kids really moving!
~Beth
Used & Loved LHTH, LHFHG, BLHFHG, & Bigger

abrightmom
Posts: 474
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 5:56 pm

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by abrightmom » Tue Feb 08, 2011 5:51 pm

Thanks for the great ideas ladies!!! I'm enjoying the research. :D
Katrina 8) Wife to Ben, husband extraordinaire! God is so good!
DS21, DS20, DD18
Levi DS14

Mom2Monkeys
Posts: 1410
Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:31 pm
Contact:

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by Mom2Monkeys » Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:37 pm

Disney preschool online http://preschooltime.go.com/
Pbskids.org
Pbskids.org/read (PBS kids island, PBS kids Go, etc)

My kids have loved these!

ETA: TimezAttack is a hit too with my oldest!
~~Tamara~~
Enjoying HOD since 2008

DD15 long-time HODie finding her own new path
DS12 PHFHG {dysgraphia, APD, SID}
DS9 PHFHG
DS6 LHFHG
DD new nursling

mercymom
Posts: 60
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:38 am

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by mercymom » Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:41 pm

My girls absolutely love Sing Song Yoga! :) 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! :)
Christy

my3sons
Posts: 10702
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:08 pm
Location: South Dakota

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by my3sons » Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:37 pm

"Collage Video" has wonderful exercise videos for dc, and you can watch a segment of each to see which fits your kiddos best! :D Audio books may be a media route you'd enjoy going too. Blackstone Audio offers a substantial discount to homeschoolers if you let them know you homeschool when you call. Here's a great link with suggestions for that:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5249&p=38479

We have enjoyed "Magic School Bus" and "Zooboomafoo" DVD's too, though there is some evolution comments, my dc know we don't believe in that. "Reading Rainbow" DVD's are fun too. Computer-wise, any of the "Jump Start" or "Reader Rabbit" ones are educational and good. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie

abrightmom
Posts: 474
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 5:56 pm

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by abrightmom » Fri Feb 11, 2011 1:45 pm

Ladies,

Thank-you for ALL of the suggestions . . . my wish list is growing and my book pile is growing too!!! HOD and Amazon orders are trickling in. I'm rolling up my sleeves and ready to roll! I'm chomping at the bit to begin HOD with my crew and we're nearly there. Adding some media will help with my scheduling and keeping kiddos moving through the day . . .

GREAT ideas and thanks again for sharing.
Katrina 8) Wife to Ben, husband extraordinaire! God is so good!
DS21, DS20, DD18
Levi DS14

JoyinIndo
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:21 am

Re: Educational DVDs, computer games, extras

Post by JoyinIndo » Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:30 pm

One thing that we have really been loving here is the What's in the Bible? DVDs. They are from Phil Vischer who is the creator of Veggie Tales. I don't really care for VT, but these DVDs are totally different than VT.

It is an amazing overview of the Bible and church history. My kids love them, and I, a 34 year old pastor's daughter and now missionary, have learned a lot!! :oops:
My kids, 3yo's included, are singing songs about the Pentateuch and can tell you what the Septuagint is!

Anyhow, just wanted to throw that in there! :)

Blessings,
JoyinIndo

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