In earlier generations, home-schooling was seen as the most popular alternative to public school.  This option was seen by some as isolating children from the traditional school experience, but it had its advantages for parents that wanted to keep their children close by during the day.  A new trend is on the rise that also keeps children at home, but also makes them part of an online community.  These communities are referred to as “virtual schools”.

Recent statistics suggest that more than 2 million children between kindergarten and 12^th grade are enrolled in online schools, and that number has been growing by 20 percent in recent years.  Online school programs may be supplemental to actual class-time experience, but more and more schools are offering full-time virtual options. (more…)

The McGraw-Hill logo and brand-name should be familiar to most people.  The company has established itself as one of the premier textbook publishers from early childhood to high school, college, and the professional world.  The company can trace its roots back to the turn of the 20^th century, when James McGraw began the McGraw Publishing Company, closely followed by John Hill’s own publishing company.  The two good friends merged in 1909, and the rest is history.  Starting with a focus in business and management, the company continued to expand through the 1900s (and still does today), adding a major K-12 department in the 1950s.

The MHE Online Catalog is the easiest place to search for any product in any age group, beginning with early childhood and Elementary school.  Toddlers and preschoolers will be enthralled by Storyteller Lift the Flap Books like “Guess My Pet” and “Guess the Weather”.  They will also be introduced to the basics of subjects like Reading, Math, Social Studies, and even technology skills like typing. (more…)

JumpStart is one of the most recognizable children’s computer software series on the market.  Those bright red and yellow boxes stand out perfectly on the shelves, and the variety of cartoon characters make the series as marketable as Spongebob.  As opposed to that fine children’s show, though, JumpStart games do have the added benefit of teaching important educational skills.

The JumpStart series was started in the mid-1990s, with the earliest products being released between 1994 and 1998.  Starting in 2000, the games were upgraded to include new characters and extra bonus discs in each package.  However, the series’ dedication to providing quality education along with compelling stories and bright graphics has not faltered. (more…)

The Internet now touches almost every aspect of modern life.  Even children’s education is jumping on the bandwagon, as proven by the fact that you are reading this article on a blog.  However, the variability of the Internet means there are many sites that you wouldn’t want your young child exploring.  The challenge lies in how to introduce them to this valuable resource while still keeping them safe.  Enter the Children’s Educational Network.

This software company is devoted to offering children a way to explore the world wide web in ways that are fun and interesting.  To start with, parents and children should check out Club TUKI, a comprehensive online children’s community.  You can access some of the games for free, but to get the full experience you should sign up for an affordable monthly membership of $9.97.  There is also a yearly payment option of $97.00. (more…)

Audiobooks are a great way to either encourage reluctant readers or introduce a child to the magic of stories.  When they’re done right, audiobooks bring a story to life through distinct characters and sound effects.  They can also be used to teach reading skills by following along with the actual book. Here are some of the best choices for parents and children, as recommended by the Young Adult Library Services Association.

Picture Books:

• Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo, read by Barbara Rosenblat:  This story follows Louise, a French chicken with a nose for adventure.  It’s worth it to get the actual book for Harry Bliss’s humorous pictures, but the audiobook includes exciting music and a wide range of voices by Rosenblat.
• I’m Dirty! by Kate & Jim McMullan, read by Steve Buscemi:  Actor Steve Buscemi makes an entertaining children’s star as well in this story about a young backhoe loader.  The audiobook will make you feel all the energy and hustle and bustle of a real construction site. (more…)