| A study conducted in the U.K. found that | | | | the way to go. Giving him/her his own |
| primary school children improve their math | | | | computer allows you, as a parent, to lock off |
| scores and concentration levels by playing | | | | inappropriate features like internet websites |
| online educational games, according to an | | | | and pop-ups, and download fun games and |
| article released in the BBC last month. | | | | colorful desktops and screen savers. |
| Thirty primary school children between the | | | | |
| ages of nine and ten, played a game called | | | | Customize your child's computer work area |
| "Dr. Kawashima's More Brain Training" game | | | | with fun mouse pads or a mouse (Target sells |
| every morning for about 15 minutes before | | | | a Hello Kitty mouse for under $10). |
| their lessons started. The game consists of | | | | Versatables' computer desks can also be |
| several mini-games including reading tests, | | | | customized with shelves, speaker platforms, |
| number challenges, memory puzzles and | | | | and locking CPU holders and cable management |
| problem-solving exercises. At the end of the | | | | systems that provide a safer environment for |
| study, the children were tested in math and | | | | children. |
| the results compared to a control group. | | | | |
| Children who had played the games increased | | | | Stickers can be used to decorate the outside |
| their test scores by more points than those | | | | of the monitor and the keyboard, or use the |
| who did not play, even though the test scores | | | | computer and desk to create a themed room. |
| for both groups increased. | | | | For example, an aquatic themed room would |
| | | | look great with a fishbowl screensaver, or a |
| So what does this mean? With educational | | | | princess-themed room could have a photo slide |
| games popping up by various manufacturers all | | | | show of Disney's princess characters. |
| over the world, a trend is emerging. | | | | |
| Combining a child's "play" time with | | | | When picking computer games, be sure to do |
| education, seems to have positive results. | | | | your research. Many have been tested and are |
| Making learning fun-as in part of a | | | | endorsed by schools and learning centers. |
| game-increases a child's desire to learn. The | | | | Keep in mind, anyone can put out educational |
| repetition of playing is more enjoyable than | | | | software, and just because it says it's |
| simply working math problems over and over | | | | educational, doesn't mean your child will |
| and the concentration needed, as well as the | | | | learn from it. Choose games that are |
| child's own competitive desire to beat the | | | | age-appropriate and that your child enjoys |
| game, adds to the beneficial outcome. | | | | playing. Give your child time to play before |
| | | | studying, as increased blood flow to the |
| So is it time to buy a computer for your kid? | | | | frontal cortex (which happens during game |
| Possibly. | | | | play) can increase memory and concentration |
| | | | for hours afterward, making them ripe for |
| Setting up a computer desk and computer in | | | | learning. |
| your child's room or play room may help. Give | | | | |
| your child his/her own space with a computer | | | | While much of what you hear about computers |
| desk at the proper height for comfort. We | | | | and kids is negative press, keep in mind that |
| found fully customizable computer desks at | | | | computers allow us to do much more than we |
| excellent prices on Versatables' website. | | | | could without them and with proper parental |
| | | | control, they can be key in giving your child |
| A computer just for your child can also be | | | | the educational edge. |