OT: Child's computer - help with HOD?

[psreit]

I am planning to get dd a computer for Christmas. I want to get something that will benefit her education. Does anyone have or know of a computer that would help in any areas of HOD? I was thinking that maybe a computer would be a good way to practice spelling words, etc. But, I don't mind her playing other educational games on it. I need to find something wholesome for her to do in her spare time when I am busy doing other things. She's always asking for TV and I want to get her mind on something else. DD is 8, but not very high in language arts skills, so I don't want it over her head, but I don't want something too kiddish. Any ideas on any particular computers?

[MelInKansas]

Hmmm... I guess at 8 I wouldn't think you would want to get a kid computer. We go in more for just regular computers, something scaled down because they don't need to do that much on it, but to start basic keyboarding skills and stuff like that would be good. Of course, the Ipad is VERY handy and there are lots of good educational games for it, but it also has a pretty hefty price tag. My husband is a geek, so we buy cheap PC computers and my husband puts Linux operating system on them and we can find lots of free games and applications for those, so it ends up being a lot cheaper (I won't even tell you how many computers we have in our house!) But if your family is used to PCs, or even if you like Macs, I would just get her a cheap one of those, you can do a lot more with a real computer than a kid one and in my experience kids tend to lose interest in the kid computers pretty quickly. Of course you probably have to buy programs for it too, that's the unfortunate thing. Though there are lots of good online websites you can also join, or some that are free, that are educational.

In terms of it helping your child with the HOD work, yeah spelling, math, those kinds of things are good for drills on computers. Sight words (similar to spelling I guess, or at least related). Grammar, parts of speech. But I think it might be hard to find something that will take the slow, gentle, interactive approach of HOD. Of course there are science/nature games and programs too. The problem is you always have to watch out for the worldview in any of it... its so difficult to be discerning. Any kind of media coming into the home, whether its on the computer or TV, will be teaching your child a different worldview and you just have to be there to discuss it and make sure they understand truth vs what the culture would tell us (you probably already know this).

[kamariden]

I think Mel hit the nail on the head. I second everything she said with the added encouragement that there are many free online sources for educational activities. Some are better than others, and of course you need to check any content, but I've rarely encountered a problem in that area.

[faithful2him]

Last year we purchased a gift for the homeschool....not one child in particular. (We wanted to end all arguments about whose computer it is.) It was a Dell Laptop. It allows us to do our math programs on it, typing for the middle, internet research (Preparing Guide), creative writing (I require oldest to type some of his work after writing it out to continue to develop those skills), blogging, photo management, video editing, Power Point, etc. This laptop is dedicated to school use. (I no longer have to share mine that I use for scrapbooking for the school work! YEAH!)

We selected a traditional laptop (not IPad) because we knew we wanted something that would grow with our kids for a while. We didn't buy the most expensive, but what we got is perfect for us. And, will continue to be.

Good luck.

[Robbi]

I would like to "third" everything Melissa said!!! Including the part about having a techy geek hubby & too many computers in the house! (That is too funny Melissa!!) We have a small laptop called a netbook & I think it works great for the kids!! We also have a tablet (same as ipad but droid version) and its wonderful because its touch screen, which the kids love. However you can't do everything on it, some websites don't work as well. As far as specific brands, models, etc. Everyone has their own preferences, go with what you are familiar with and go to a reputable store to start gathering info. Good luck & God Bless,

[MomtoJGJE]

My oldest is 8 and I cannot imagine her actually wanting to use a kid computer now. All 4 of ours have used the regular computer for so long now though that that might color their perception. And there are a ton of free online educational sites to use for varying degrees of knowledge. And for the length of time they'd be able to use the computer (until it dies and can't be fixed) it would be a better value overall than a kid computer.

[my3sons]

You've already gotten some great advice here! I agree that an adult computer would work well. I love our MacBook and have not had a single problem with it in 4 years, but we also have liked Dell and Sanyo in the past. Almost just as important as choosing which computer you'd enjoy is choosing to get it somewhere you have good customer service and technical help in person (IMHO ). My dh does not know much about computers, so when something goes south, it falls on me to figure it out. I have learned to buy our computers at a place where there is a physical location I can go to with a person I can physically see face to face who will help me when I have a problem. So, that's one more thing to consider.

We have really enjoyed Reader Rabbit and Jump Start educational games for our dc. We usually have them do a year or two below their grade level, so they can truly do them independently.

One other media device you may want to consider for dd is audio books. They are available at a discount for homeschoolers at Blackstone Audio, and libraries or book stores carry them as well. Even my 4 yo is listening to short books on tape with headphones independently. He loves to hear the books, and I like how very quiet and happy he is as he does this independently. So, that may be one more thing your little gal could do independently.

HTH!
In Christ,
Julie

[psreit]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I actually need a computer for myself, because mine went 'south' a while back, and it doesn't pay to have it fixed. It will be a while until I get one for myself, so I don't have money to get dd a real computer right now. I am using my older dd's laptop right now. When I get my own, I let her do some games on that. I wanted to get her something she could call her own. I understand that something for younger kids will not last as long, but honestly, for the time being, I think she would love it. She has not had a lot of exposure to computers, so I think she will be thrilled to have even a small one right now. This is going against what all of you have suggested, but I found a junior computer that has many games and learning activities on it, that I believe will fit her needs right now. I will allow her to use mine for some internet games when I get a new one, but I think she will get her money's worth out of it.