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