Let's face it. The days of not touching a computer until high school are long gone.
Kids are interacting with computers from the beginning of school. They should be. The computer has become the center of every career in today's marketplace.
As preschool teachers, it is our job to prepare the kids for kindergarten. Adding a computer center to the classroom can be the best way to accomplish this goal. However, just setting up a computer in the classroom does not prepare the kids for grade school.
Using the computer as a teaching tool to add to the classroom experience does prepare them for elementary. Here are a few games that every preschool teacher must have in her toolbox.
Kid Pix
Kids love this program because it is easy to use. It is perfect for kids ages three and up. The mouse is used to draw, paint, stamp letters, erase and create shapes and backgrounds. Just because a game is fun for the kids does not mean that it is not educational. This game helps teach use of the mouse and keyboard as well as shapes and art. You can even replace your art center the day you use this program and let the kids print out their creations to take home.
Reader Rabbit's Ready For Letters
This game is also suitable for those preschoolers ages three and up. It includes matching, sorting, patterns, letters and word meanings.
A to Zap
This program is really more suited for the four and up kids. It is an alphabet book for 26 open-ended activities that explore letters, letter names, words, numbers, counting and other concepts.
Bailey's Book House
In this game, children also learn alphabet letters and sounds, rhyming words, construct stories and can create their own cards and invitations. These are great pre-reading activities.
The Playroom
Probably one of the best game for reading skills and typing. Children explore numbers, time and alphabet concepts. In one game, children type words that are shown on the screen. When the word is completed, the program pronounces each sound and highlights each letter.
Computer learning is perhaps the most favorite center in the classroom. Teachers do not have to do anything extra to make the center exciting. Kids just love working on computers. They see their parents do it all the time and will jump at the chance to do the same.
The costs of software and equipment can be expensive to add this center to the classroom. The above games were chosen for their value for the costs. However, if you are financially struggling to provide a computer center, there are some options.
Talk with your computer provider for an educational discount. Sign up for the Scholastic Book Club. You can earn points for the books your children order that can be used for free software and games. Do a fundraiser. It is an essential center in today's market, so do whatever necessary to prepare the kids.
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