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