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