Hey Ladies!
Have any of you tried the ABCmouse.com as a learning tool for your children. I am looking for a way to help my kids be more productive at home rather than just spending time in front of the tv. We do the outside thing for a bit but as it gets colder I want something fun and educational for them to do since we won't be able to spend so much time outside. What websites or learning programs have you tried and liked?
Thanks in advance for you replies!
I would suggest you to take them to the library, reading is a wonderful tool for learning (in hot and cold weather, any time!), and if they want PC time, the PC time at the library is limited.... so much better!
I'm a bit confused, that you want to replace screen time, with screen time. Not that I'm against screen time, I just don't think it's as productive as you want to make it...when you are just swapping.
I have read that ABCmouse is gearing more for the little ones. We do starfall some with my kiddo, and he likes that. Again, it's for littler ones. You might have better luck with some apps, if you have older children. Do your kids like to create? I much prefer to stick my son in front of a bunch of art supplies, but I do understand that sometimes it feels like there is nothing else to do.
Try education.com.
They allow you to print out worksheets for free (I think they start at pre-school). This way you can get them away from the screen all together. They have holiday and coloring pages for the younger kids.
I have not looked at it myself, but my son said they used it in kindergarten and he really liked it.
We have a free app on my iPad from ABC Mouse. It's just an alphabet app, at has songs for every letter. My 3yo likes it.
I haven't tried the actual website, because I'm not willing to pay for it when there are so many free resources. Lol.
My son is now older (6 almost 7) but back when he was 2 years olds 'your baby can read' commercials were on all the time and it was so convincing that I considered ordering it (thankfully I did not). They have been sued for false advertising and I have never heard a peep since my daughter age 3 has been watching TV. The ABCmouse commercial kind of reminds me of this on a lighter level. The mom in the commercial says her daughter improved because of ABCmouse and that annoys me.
Anyway, I have some free apps for ABCmouse and they are fun for the kids, yet not super enjoyable (if it is the only option kind of app). I am not sure if it has had any results.
What age are your children? Most teacher have links and the class can join for free. starfall.com xtramath.com. Google the question 'educational websites for preschooler.' I am sure your kids will enjoy some more than others.
http://www.parenting.com/blogs/mom-congress/melissa-taylo...
I personally like starfall.com. A lot of it you can access for free, so you get a good idea of whether you want to pay to access more stuff or not. I don't think its likely to teach your kid to read or anything, but its fun, interactive stuff that has educational merit.
I have not tried that one, but we do use the free material on Starfall. Overall, though, I just do things with DD so that she's not in front of any screen for a while. Fridge magnets for letters (we also have the leapfrog fridge toy), for example. Cooking for math.
ETA: http://www.dltk-kids.com has great activities.
Haven't tried ABCmouse but like many on this feed, we used Starfall.com It's free and it taught my pre-k kid to read:)
We use it and really like it. We also use Starfall and she loves that one as well. At school we use Funbrain, Funschool, and SumDog on Fun Fridays in computer lab and the kids love those. But I think those are more geared to older, elementary aged kids.
My son just turned 7 and it was WAY to easy for him. He had it all done in one day. My daughter is almost 3 and it's a little hard for her. I think just doing things on your own would be much better and free! :) Reading books, flash cards, and even simple games. My son love to play games while in the shopping cart...I will ask him simple addition questions as we shop, or have him read what's in the isle....we canceled out ABC mouse. It probably would work with my 3 yr. old IF I sat and did it with her and the last place I want to be is in front of the computer more than I already am, that is why I'd much rather make games up myself and make it fun!
I did a trial of ABCmouse. I thought it exemplified all of the things not to do to inspire and help children to learn.
Starfall is much better, and worth the money.
