Among the most important skills for a child to develop early on is familiarity with computers. No matter what vocation they choose in life, they will need to be comfortable with the basics of navigating on a computer and using a keyboard and mouse. All educational software helps to teach these skills even if the software was designed to teach them something else, like history or math. Kids will gain a comfort with reading and understanding menus, which will be necessary in most of the programs they will encounter later on in life. They will also gain the critical thinking abilities needed to use the software properly. Many types of educational software are similar to games, with the benefit being that they strengthen problem-solving abilities and hold the child's interest in a way that complements other teaching tools like books and videos. They provide all the entertainment benefits of a computer game (immediate feedback, scoring as a reward and to motivate the student) while providing lessons.
The various challenges contained in an education program, serve to reinforce lessons learned by standard methods, and also to introduce new areas of learning.
Math Software
There are programs available that teach a number of areas of math, ranging from the basics like addition and subtraction for pre-school students, to more advanced subjects like calculus. One of the things to look for with math software is that it offers lessons a variety of skill-levels so that as a child's ability grows, the lessons will become more difficult. Many programs will automatically adjust to the child's abilities based on their performance.
The various challenges contained in an education program, serve to reinforce lessons learned by standard methods, and also to introduce new areas of learning.
Math Software
There are programs available that teach a number of areas of math, ranging from the basics like addition and subtraction for pre-school students, to more advanced subjects like calculus. One of the things to look for with math software is that it offers lessons a variety of skill-levels so that as a child's ability grows, the lessons will become more difficult. Many programs will automatically adjust to the child's abilities based on their performance.