Ladybugs
I first found this game as a web application at Learn4Good’s section of games for young children. Last week, it came in handy to get the primary students accustomed to using the directional arrows for manipulating an object on screen. Since it involved mazes, it also prompted some problem solving and critical thinking, especially with the first grade students.
Recently, though, I found the downloadable version of Ladybugs by Midori Tech. This is better, really, because it is run as an application on the computer and not the web. Learn4Good is a decent site, but the kids might click on something else. With the downloadable game, kids are only playing one thing: Ladybugs. Like the web version, there is a maze section in which the kid must use directional arrows and a bit of thinking to help the ladybug find her house. Two other games are included, though. One requires the child to race against a computer-controlled ladybug to navigate a maze first. The other requires the child to use directional arrows to match a colored ladybug to her matching house.
It’s a simple game as freeware, though a fairly inexpensive upgrade for about ten bucks presents more possibilities.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:18 am
You just provided a great example of integrating technology into what you are teaching. Keep moving forward with your ideas and work. Share your ideas all around your school.