For many years the alphabet has been taught using traditional methods which have worked very successfully and are responsible for the majority of us being literate. Nevertheless, the time is now to move on and take good thing about modern technology and the wide range of websites for kids which teach the alphabet, letter sounds and reading and spelling?
Games for kids have always been an effective way of teaching the alphabet and they learn easily and without pressure or even knowledge of their increased awareness and many parents implement this in the home with the use of flash cards, kids games and books which stimulate the child's interest. These are generally known to be a success and are also popular with the children. But what about the computer? While adults, the majority of us have a computer at home which is used for a variety of purposes and it is easy to see the appeal that it has for the children.
The highly visual attraction is difficult to resist and they often become keen to investigate. Yet, not many parents are keen to have their children spend hours playing computer games which give little if any educational instructions and often overstimulate their brains to no benefit. But how about using the computer to actually educate the children and teach them their alphabet and get them reading easily and without pressure?
Activities for kids cannot be replaced by a computer. Fact. Children must be given activities away from the computer and this is also true when teaching the alphabet and learning to read. To leave the job totally to a computer package would be to take away some of the practical elements of learning. Puzzles for kids could be an important part of their lives and can never be replaced by a keyboard and screen. The tangible experience of doing a puzzle is irreplaceable. They stimulate minds at the same time as increasing dexterity - something which goes beyond using a keyboard and mouse. But I do believe that a combination of manual, traditional methods and computer packages are an excellent system.
Children are attracted to personal computers on account of the colourful moving graphics. This really is fun and fun is what attracts kids. Many children would choose the computer over flashcards and books on account of this and this is the ammunition that software producers are using to gain popularity. Many of the programmes, however, have drawbacks and are not using well grounded teaching techniques to educate the children. As children are such sponges when it comes to taking in information, it is easy to give them the wrong signals and information and this will become implanted in their brains and difficult to remove.
Some computer programmes, for example, have poor audio reproduction which can confuse the children. Letter sounds can be misleading and this can be a stumbling point right at the onset of learning the alphabet. Confusion is disastrous for a child's mind and it is easy to cause confusion but very difficult to clear up. The brain of a child is very accepting. They believe many things without question and if the phonetic alphabet is being badly pronounced and reproduced with poor sound quality this will become easily imprinted into their minds and accepted. It will then become difficult to change - you cannot just hit a delete button in their memories.
Certainly, computers are a superb way to teach the alphabet, but make sure that the package that you choose is a good quality one. Examine the pronunciation of the words and the sound quality. Make sure that the package is working at a gentle pace and covers all the aspects necessary for them and does not give half the info before moving on to the next step. Websites for kids will never be able to fully replace what they need in the way of stimulation and education.
Children need to progress with tangible products such as books and flash cards to encourage dexterity and practical learning. A computer really should not be seen as an alternative but as a help. Neither should it be seen as a solitary tool for teaching. Sit with your child and make a time to spend together and encourage them to think as well as just look at the pretty graphics!
The highly visual attraction is difficult to resist and they often become keen to investigate. Yet, not many parents are keen to have their children spend hours playing computer games which give little if any educational instructions and often overstimulate their brains to no benefit. But how about using the computer to actually educate the children and teach them their alphabet and get them reading easily and without pressure?
Activities for kids cannot be replaced by a computer. Fact. Children must be given activities away from the computer and this is also true when teaching the alphabet and learning to read. To leave the job totally to a computer package would be to take away some of the practical elements of learning. Puzzles for kids could be an important part of their lives and can never be replaced by a keyboard and screen. The tangible experience of doing a puzzle is irreplaceable. They stimulate minds at the same time as increasing dexterity - something which goes beyond using a keyboard and mouse. But I do believe that a combination of manual, traditional methods and computer packages are an excellent system.
Children are attracted to personal computers on account of the colourful moving graphics. This really is fun and fun is what attracts kids. Many children would choose the computer over flashcards and books on account of this and this is the ammunition that software producers are using to gain popularity. Many of the programmes, however, have drawbacks and are not using well grounded teaching techniques to educate the children. As children are such sponges when it comes to taking in information, it is easy to give them the wrong signals and information and this will become implanted in their brains and difficult to remove.
Some computer programmes, for example, have poor audio reproduction which can confuse the children. Letter sounds can be misleading and this can be a stumbling point right at the onset of learning the alphabet. Confusion is disastrous for a child's mind and it is easy to cause confusion but very difficult to clear up. The brain of a child is very accepting. They believe many things without question and if the phonetic alphabet is being badly pronounced and reproduced with poor sound quality this will become easily imprinted into their minds and accepted. It will then become difficult to change - you cannot just hit a delete button in their memories.
Certainly, computers are a superb way to teach the alphabet, but make sure that the package that you choose is a good quality one. Examine the pronunciation of the words and the sound quality. Make sure that the package is working at a gentle pace and covers all the aspects necessary for them and does not give half the info before moving on to the next step. Websites for kids will never be able to fully replace what they need in the way of stimulation and education.
Children need to progress with tangible products such as books and flash cards to encourage dexterity and practical learning. A computer really should not be seen as an alternative but as a help. Neither should it be seen as a solitary tool for teaching. Sit with your child and make a time to spend together and encourage them to think as well as just look at the pretty graphics!
Make use of the facilities that new technology is giving us but do not forget the pleasures of books and puzzles for kids.