Educational Software for Back to School

Whether your child is 5 or 18 years old, it's tough to let them go. Be with your child every step of the way by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed throughout the upcoming school year. Smart Software: If your home computer is still running Windows 2000, it may be time to upgrade. Windows XP Home with SP3 OEM comes equipped with the newest Microsoft Office which makes excel and word much easier to use. If you child enjoys graphic design and digital art, then the Adobe Creative Suite will help cultivate that love into masterful skill. Although the price tag may induce sticker shock, the Adobe programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator are the best on the market. In fact, they are the standard tools in all graphic design studios. Giving your child an early start in digital media will no doubt give him a leg up. If your child enjoys photo manipulation, then Photoshop Elements 7 is a great alternative to the complete Adobe suite. For about $50, you get nearly the same photo-editing powers as the full $600 Adobe Photoshop CS4. If your child loves making films, Apple Final Cut is an easy and fun program that achieves near professional quality film-editing. If you, you'll need a Mac. Helpful technologies: Help your child stay organized with a few key items. Does your child constantly leave his homework at home leading to falling grades and house calls from his teacher? Remedy this by giving your child a USB flash drive that he can attach to his keys. This way, he will have a copy of his school work with him at all times. Does you child forget to take notes in class? Help him succeed with a digital voice recorder to record his teachers lectures. Simply plug the device in an load up the mp3 recording of the lecture onto your computer. You can even load the lectures onto his iPod for more practice. If you want a more low-tech option, a simple zip portfolio will hold papers, books, and pencils in one place! That Extra Mile: Every parent wants to see their child excel in school and the key is to start early and get involved. Parental involvement gives children the extra push that they need to succeed; provide your child with educational toys and games to make learning fun. Is your child preparing for Kindergarten? Leapfrogs makes great products that will prepare your child for the road ahead. The Leapfrog Interactive Book system helps your child learn how to read by combining visual and audio cues using classics such as Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendack. If you child is currently struggling with his multiplication tables, start a family game night with Multiplication Bingo that reinforces basic learning skills. rnLearn even more about educational software and compare prices at comparison shopping search engines like Become.com.