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