
Hi, my name is Jenna and I am the proud owner and operation of Bucktown Bargains. I have become obsessed with saving money while shopping in stores and especially, online! Why spend the money if you don’t have to? I started blogging this past year while out on maternity leave from my “real” job as an Elementary Computer Teacher. So, I am going to share with you today some of my frugal tips when it comes with children and technology… First, I want to thank Keri Lyn, my mentor, for the opportunity to guest post.
Teaching our children how to navigate on the computer is as essential as teaching them how to tie their shoes. More importantly, teaching them how to network safely on the Internet is MORE essential than than teaching them how to wipe their own coolies.. Because, let’s face it, a dirty coolie isn’t going to hurt anyone..
As an Elementary computer teacher, I use various activities to integrate classrooms lessons into meeting technology standards. In my experience, students seem to be more motivated to write if using a computer. In the computer lab, students use Kidspiration
software as to organize information. Computer-based concept mapping can be used during the brainstorming activity as a prewriting strategy. The computer facilitates by providing a visual map of the ideas generated. In essence, linking new information with old through a mapping system by moving from traditional pencil-paper concept mapping to hypertext. This software allows children to use create a graphic organizer using pictures and words easily created with Kidspiration. Another great feature of Kidspiration is converting the graphic organizer into an outline with the click of the mouse. This allows children to flip back and forth and really organize all their ideas..
Now, back to school time brings up many discipline issues with kids that we all remember so clearly; earlier bedtime, weekday curfews, limitations on TV, but I find that students’ today have the most anxiety about being separated from their social network and cutting back on their time online. I get the question a lot about Internet Safety from parents and I tell them all the same thing, there is no reason that children should have a computer in their bedrooms. A computer needs to be in a family room. no if and or buts about it. Another question I get a lot is, “How do I prevent my child from MySpace or Facebook?” Well, you have to offer an alternative. I recommend Epals.
ePals is a way for kids to Safely connect, collaborate and learn using the leading protected email and blog solutions. Now, this program is used by teachers and school districts, but did you know that parents can use it for their children?
Did you ever have a pen pal? I don’t even know if kids remember how to write with a pen and paper. This site allows children to connect and write to children all over the world.. You just search for the country or language (it’s kinda link match.com for kids, but for friends)
The best part about this program is that the emails are filtered. So, anything that is inappropriate will be flagged and sent to your email..Also, your child will not be able to download or send attachments without your approval. If your child has been bothering you for an email address, this is a great solution. Click HERE to check it out! Oh, and it’s FREE!
I want to end by mentioning that it’s never to early to teach children about not only Internet Safety, but to teach young children how to use a computer properly. To my surprise, my 3-year old is a pro on the computer. Here are some sites that I use with him:
Headsprout - Learning how to use a mouse
Growing with Technology- Great site for children age 3-12.
Bees and Honey – Great for learning how to count and use the mouse.
Want to learn about mroe websites for kids? Please take some time to check my page titled Computers and Kids. I also hope that you take a few minutes to check out the great deals that I share as well on Bucktown Bargains.
Thanks Jenna, we appreciate your awesome advice for keeping our kids safe (and smart!) online!!

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