Day Cares
Do you have computers in each of your classrooms? If so, why not have a learning center with educational software? Children love to play on the computer. They could learn their alphabet, sounds, numbers, colors, and develop their critical thinking skills. Parents would also love for their child to gain computer knowledge before they try out their abilities on the home computer. If you do not have access to computers, check flea markets, consignment stores, computer repair stores, or the parents of your children to purchase used computers or to have them donated to your day care. Much of the software will work on the older computers. Make sure to read the requirements first. There is no need to have internet access in these classrooms when software is available.
Elementary Classrooms
There is always that one or several children that finish their assignments early. What does the teacher do with them? One idea is to utilize your classroom computer(s). Have software available in several subjects for those students to choose from. Children love to be on the computer. Teachers, take advantage of educational software that will occupy those students while you have time with the other students. Yes, the students may be playing games on the computer, but you know they are still learning. A bored student may tend to be disruptive. Why? They want to do something...to keep their mind occupied. Educational software could be your answer.
Students that take more time on their daily assignments will also need time on the computer. Computer time can be an incentive for completing their work on time. Or you may find out using educational software in the areas your students struggle with, may indeed increase their knowledge, and in return, increase their speed on their assignments.
You may not have access to computers in your room. As we advised the daycares above, check out the local used computer stores, consignment stores, flea markets, and parents of your students. Many times you can get used computers donated for educational use.