August 18, 2011
Cute Little Story!
I live in the Bucks County Area of PA. It is an amazing place to live filled with rolling hills, farms, sleepy towns, tons of culture and amazing people. I was in one of my local schools the other day and was speaking to a bunch of parents, children and teachers about fall classes. Explaining to them about the amazing benefits of the proprietary software that as well as some of the fun things we like to do each year with from special birthday detective parties to Halloween bring a friend classes. The words Halloween caught the attention of one of the kids sitting with his mom. I saw his eyes widen and up goes his hand! I said do you have a question? He said, and I quote"no I have a statement"...LOL please remember this little guy is maybe 4. I said what is your statement? He said, "I think all these things your talkin bout is good but I gotta tell you - I can smell the pumpkins already!" The entire room broke out into laughter...I asked him to come up and go on the build a pumpkin(which is a favorite of most children). He was very excited! MOM did sign him up for class right there! It was a fun and cute moment that all the parents will remember! I was joking with his mom that I might have to have her son come to the schools with me and help me introduce the kids to the Imagine Tomorrow program! Welcome Fall!!!
July 20, 2011
Kids predict the future
I recently read a study "Kids are the Royal Road to Technology Innovation" where they asked 200 kids ages 7-12 questions such as "What would you want your computer to do that it can't to do now?" One of the three key insights found from the study is that 1/3 of the kids said that computers can improve (or empower) us. They viewed computers as way to gain knowledge in subject areas that they were interested in (such as learning a language or learning to cook) and as a way to create (such as create a game). I found this very interesting because this is one of the unique features of Imagine Tomorrow. Imagine Tomorrow curriculum teaches the students that computers can be used as a tool. Computers are not just to play games but as a way to gather information, create, and communicate. The students are immersed in a story line where they become computer detectives and have to solve a mission by using technology. I believe this idea of technology empowering kids open the doors for many opportunities far beyond my imagination for kids today.
July 14, 2011
From a child's perspective!
Being a mom of three children and running the business that I run, I often ask the kids to tell me about there thoughts and expectations with regard to technology and their future. I found this article so interesting I hope you enjoy!
July 7, 2011
Why do you need to teach kids how to use technology?
When people first learn about technology classes, they often wonder, “Why do you need to teach kids how to use technology?” With over two decades experience teaching these skills to young children, we believe the answer is simple… You don’t! Using technology is natural for kids. They learn to use it as soon as they start clicking the mouse and tapping the keyboard. We don’t teach kids how to use technology; we teach them why to use technology. The difference is huge.
If a child only experiences a computer as something to play games on, they may get to be quick with the mouse or fast on the keyboard, but they are not really learning to use technology as a meaningful skill. However, when a child is given an age-appropriate way to apply technology skills to find information, communicate and share ideas, and solve problems – you begin to unlock a child’s true potential to use technology to learn.
Imagine Tomorrow’s philosophy on learning is powerful because it centers on the idea that kids learn best when they have a purpose. Too many websites and computer software programs have kids clicking through games for no reason other than to get to the next level or earn more points. Even an educational activity that teaches a skill like letters or numbers loses its potential when it is delivered in isolation and without a purpose. This is why Imagine Tomorrow thoughtfully builds each lesson around a story that teaches children to use a new technology skill to solve a funny, child-friendly problem. We give them a reason why.
For example in one episode children go on a mission to fix the sprinklers at File Farm that are spraying sugar instead of water and turning the fruits and vegetables into candy. To solve the mission they learn why it is important to save your file when you are done working on it. The goal of this lesson is not to just teach kids how to Save a File, but to make sure they understand why you need to save a file.
Technology is going to keep changing throughout their lifetime. If you teach children more than just how, but really give them an understanding of why, they will continue to be able to adapt and apply their skills to whatever type of technology they are using.
If a child only experiences a computer as something to play games on, they may get to be quick with the mouse or fast on the keyboard, but they are not really learning to use technology as a meaningful skill. However, when a child is given an age-appropriate way to apply technology skills to find information, communicate and share ideas, and solve problems – you begin to unlock a child’s true potential to use technology to learn.
Imagine Tomorrow’s philosophy on learning is powerful because it centers on the idea that kids learn best when they have a purpose. Too many websites and computer software programs have kids clicking through games for no reason other than to get to the next level or earn more points. Even an educational activity that teaches a skill like letters or numbers loses its potential when it is delivered in isolation and without a purpose. This is why Imagine Tomorrow thoughtfully builds each lesson around a story that teaches children to use a new technology skill to solve a funny, child-friendly problem. We give them a reason why.
For example in one episode children go on a mission to fix the sprinklers at File Farm that are spraying sugar instead of water and turning the fruits and vegetables into candy. To solve the mission they learn why it is important to save your file when you are done working on it. The goal of this lesson is not to just teach kids how to Save a File, but to make sure they understand why you need to save a file.
Technology is going to keep changing throughout their lifetime. If you teach children more than just how, but really give them an understanding of why, they will continue to be able to adapt and apply their skills to whatever type of technology they are using.
July 4, 2011
Saluting Our Military Families this 4th of July
In celebration of our nation's birthday, we thank and salute all the military families out there.
We celebrate all of our class providers who help teach children of the military families the technology skills they need to stay in touch with their overseas parents.
Web conferencing, instant messaging, email, skyping... these amazing technologies allow us all to stay as connected as possible all over the world.
Technology is an integral tool for communications, especially for the military and military families.
We salute you!
We celebrate all of our class providers who help teach children of the military families the technology skills they need to stay in touch with their overseas parents.
Web conferencing, instant messaging, email, skyping... these amazing technologies allow us all to stay as connected as possible all over the world.
Technology is an integral tool for communications, especially for the military and military families.
We salute you!
July 1, 2011
Question for Judy!
This week during class, I had a student ask me why is the computer class called Imagine Tomorrow? I explained that the company Imagine Tomorrow was created by Judy Patterson who was a teacher. I then explained that she started this company using computers as a tool to educate children not only about computers, but about reading, writing, math, colors, shapes etc. She seemed satisfied with that answer and then she asked me one last question. Ms. Rachel - but how did she come up with the name? I did not have an answer. If Judy could share I would love to give my little friend an answer. Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone!
June 30, 2011
Safety Tips
School is out and our kids have more free time. Not only can all this free time lead to boredom, but it can lead to kids trying new things which may not be safe. In my previous post I listed some ways to beat summber boredom. Now it's time to keep our kids safe.
This first link is from NetSmartz Workshop which is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It gives some great internet safety tips.
www.netsmartz.org/internetsafety
The next link is from Safe Kids USA and it gives tips for preventing injuries at home, at play, and on the way. There are safety tips for babies, little kids, big kids, and teens.
www.safekids.org/safety-basics
Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone!
This first link is from NetSmartz Workshop which is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It gives some great internet safety tips.
www.netsmartz.org/internetsafety
The next link is from Safe Kids USA and it gives tips for preventing injuries at home, at play, and on the way. There are safety tips for babies, little kids, big kids, and teens.
www.safekids.org/safety-basics
Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone!
Wow
It is always fun to meet with a prospect director of a child care facility about Imagine Tomorrow Computer Classes because they are always so impressed with the software and how it is custom designed to adjust to each child's level academically and technically. And then when I go into all the early academics the curriculum covers they are even more wowed. I love to be able to represent such a high quality program!
June 28, 2011
10 Ways to Beat Summer Boredom
We are only 3 weeks into summer vacation and instead of "hearing" the words "I'm bored" I received a text from 10 year old that said, "Mom I'm BORED!" Keeping kids entertained in the summer can be a challenge so here are some of my favorite inexpensive ways to keep my little darling from texting me those dreaded words:
1. Try something new in the kitchen. My son loves to help me bake but to change things up a little we are learning how to can things this summer. We just pickled the peppers we have growing in our backyard. Next we are going to try and make our own pickles.
2. Pack a picnic and head to a new park. When my 20 year old and 17 year old were little we visited a different park every Tuesday during the summer.
3. Set up an obstacle course in the backyard. Our yard is not huge but we have enough room to make a mini course. To keep things exciting I turn on the hose and spray the kids as they run through the course.
4. Visit your local library and pick up a summer calendar. Our library has FREE activities going on all summer.
5. Go to a minor league baseball game. Minor league games are less expensive than major league games and just as fun for the kids!
6. Crafts.... I went to our local craft store and stocked up on cheap craft supplies. I didn't take my son with me and put the things in a closet. I am waiting for a rainy day to suprise him.
7. Dinner at the local pool. Get a bucket of chicken and take it to the local pool. Last week we ordered pizza and had it delivered to the pool. The kids loved it!
8. Scavenger Hunt....This is a family favorite and good for all ages. Your hunt can take place indoors or outdoors. Your list can include things the kids can find and things they need to create.
9. Set up a tent! It's a little hot in Texas right now to put the tent in the backyard but my son loves to make his own tent in our family room. Popcorn and a movie and we are set!
10. Last but not least log onto http://www.imaginetomorrow.com/ and paint a summer picture!
I know the next text from my son will be "Mom you ROCK!" LOL! Wishful thinking!
1. Try something new in the kitchen. My son loves to help me bake but to change things up a little we are learning how to can things this summer. We just pickled the peppers we have growing in our backyard. Next we are going to try and make our own pickles.
2. Pack a picnic and head to a new park. When my 20 year old and 17 year old were little we visited a different park every Tuesday during the summer.
3. Set up an obstacle course in the backyard. Our yard is not huge but we have enough room to make a mini course. To keep things exciting I turn on the hose and spray the kids as they run through the course.
4. Visit your local library and pick up a summer calendar. Our library has FREE activities going on all summer.
5. Go to a minor league baseball game. Minor league games are less expensive than major league games and just as fun for the kids!
6. Crafts.... I went to our local craft store and stocked up on cheap craft supplies. I didn't take my son with me and put the things in a closet. I am waiting for a rainy day to suprise him.
7. Dinner at the local pool. Get a bucket of chicken and take it to the local pool. Last week we ordered pizza and had it delivered to the pool. The kids loved it!
8. Scavenger Hunt....This is a family favorite and good for all ages. Your hunt can take place indoors or outdoors. Your list can include things the kids can find and things they need to create.
9. Set up a tent! It's a little hot in Texas right now to put the tent in the backyard but my son loves to make his own tent in our family room. Popcorn and a movie and we are set!
10. Last but not least log onto http://www.imaginetomorrow.com/ and paint a summer picture!
I know the next text from my son will be "Mom you ROCK!" LOL! Wishful thinking!
June 21, 2011
School year ended summer camp time!!!
What a fun year we had this year...Imagine Tomorrow partnered with Learning Care Group. This partnership allowed Licenses to teach at this great brand of childcare centers across the country. I have personally enjoyed meeting the Directors, Teachers and all the little kids in my area. We are now pushing forward with summer camp. The 1st week of camp for us starts next week. I can not wait to go on all the fun learning adventures with the kiddos! Wonder where Mr. Scott and the puterbugs will have us next? HUM...
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