As a web site project manager during the week and a digital photographer on the weekend, I seem to be on the computer a lot. Like a lot of us mommies, I also check in with Facebook and of course, EmpoweredMommies.com. when personal time allows.
In addition to many other activities, my children are now showing an interest in computers. My five year-old maneuvers a mouse like an expert. With supervision, computers can provide a positive learning experience. Here are five sites that my kids and I enjoy. If you have any to add to this list – and I’m sure there are a lot of great web sites out there for kids – please add a comment to this article.
- http://sparky.org/
My three year-old’s preschool teacher endorses this web site. The site, sponsored by the National Fire Safety Association, includes online games, craft ideas, and coloring pages, all aimed at teaching little ones about fire safety.
- http://www.starfall.com
My neighbor’s nanny, who has devoted her whole life to childcare and teaching, told me about Starfall. The site introduces reading to preschoolers. The littlest kids can play simple games with mommy or daddy. The older ones can play more advanced games or “read” stores online. My older child is in Kindergarten, and her school uses the Starfall web site to teach reading and computer skills to that age level.
- http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
This is a great site for any kid interested in animals. My daughter and I enjoy looking through the beautiful pictures of the animals and reading about each one. Some animal profiles include video of the animal in its own habitat.
- http://www.pbskids.org
Our local children’s library has the computers setup to access this site. The kids can learn through playing games with their favorite television characters, like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Sesame Street, Dragon Tails, and the new Dinosaur Train.
- http://motherlyloving.blogspot.com
This site is an active blog maintained by a friend of mine, a Catholic mother of two. I am not Catholic, but I admire the site for its content, including lots of seasonal craft ideas, and also for its inspiring spirit. The author embraces her religion and its culture as something to pass on to her children proudly. I think providing this kind of environment for kids at home creates a sense of belonging and understanding even for the littlest ones, and it is a wonderful idea for a mother of any faith.