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Signing off from the Suite With a Few Last Tips

© Kay Pluta

Times are changing, and the Suite is restructuring. This topic will soon be lumped into a general Computer Software category. I do not know who will be the writer for that topic. Even if it's not me, there's a chance I'll return with a guest column or perhaps write for another topic. I've been writing educational software reviews here and elsewhere for almost seven years. I've seen the children's software industry change a lot also. Used to be that every spring and fall a large assortment of new children's software titles would hit the market. Now new titles are being issued less frequently, and older titles are being packaged in groups or under different names. It is becoming more and more difficult for me to bring you reviews because it's harder to find software that's compatible with my computer. Just because it says it will run on a Mac, doesn't mean it will. Check the system requirements. Both PC and Mac share the problem of the old not running on the new systems and the new not running on the old.

However, there are new technologies including the Leap Pad Leapster which is using a lot of software very similar to what was once produced for the home computer. There are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos on the market to help children learn in a fun, twenty-first century sort of way. It's exciting to see the changes just a few years have brought.

I home school my six year old, and after becoming frustrated with software compatibility issues we began exploring online games. Whether you home school, teach in a classroom, or just need supplemental material for your child, a plethora of games and programs can be found online.

A favorite spot for us is http://www.internet4classrooms.com. This site holds a long list of links for grades K-12 on all types of subjects. Yes, some of the links end up being dead, but I've found plenty of live links which help my first grader with all kinds of concepts.

Here are a few of the sites we've found that we really enjoy and often incorporate into our school day.

http://www.kidspsych.org - There are two sections on this site. One for ages six to nine, and the other for ages one to five.

http://www.cogcon.com/gamegoo/gooey.html - This one is tremendous fun. Paw Park cracks us up. A selection of games is offered for three separate ability levels.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/... - This site is sponsored by bbc. My first grader loves to watch the Addem movies.

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