Conference moira::parenting_v3

    My daughter is enrolled in Future Kids and just loves it so far.  I
    feel she's learning a lot and has a really positive attitude about
    computers.  Since knowing computers is a way of life, I thought it
    was important for her to get some hands-on-experience in a friendly
    atmosphere (not that school isn't always friendly :-)).
    
    Anyway, I highly recommend Future Kids.  I wouldn't mind learning some
    of the programs they offer myself.
    
      
    
    
    

    Could I be so bold as to ask the price per class?
    
    You can send me mail if a reply to this is inappropriate.
    
    SNAX::HURWITZ
    
    thanks,
    Steve

    We signed up when Future Kids opened (mid-July) and there was a
    special offer.  I'm not sure of the regular prices.  You may 
    want to give a call to 508-366-4393.
    
    Sandi

    What day of the week is this and what are the hours?
    
    Roberta

    I looked into Future Kids.  The price was $69 per month for 4 45
    minutes sessions.  We had our daughter go through the complementary
    class -- she learned mouse-control with a game, and played with
    a few other packages.
    
    The owner did not have a schedule at the time (4-5 weeks ago), but
    was going to be making it up as kids enrolled and their parents
    described their preferences.
    
    We decided not to go through with the classes; my daughter
    chose ballet and swimming lessons, given the choice of the 
    three options.  We have a computer at home, so the choice didn't
    matter too much to us.
    
    Diana

    There will be an open house at Future Kids on Thursday,
    October 10, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and another on 
    Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    
    There will be a free month of classes given away.  It
    may be worth it to stop in, take a look around and see
    if you win.
    
    Sandi

Anyone know anything about a franchise called Futurekids?  My mom saw an
article in the paper (in California) about it and sent it to me.  Apparently,
they teach children (even preschoolers) how to use computers, etc.  They have
several franchises in California, but I didn't see them in the phone book
here (Indianapolis).  

I would appreciate any info on this.  Maybe an address to write to for more
information, including franchise information.  Or have you ever used it; how
can it compete with schools (for school-age children)?

Thanks,
Kyra

    
    There's an education_computing notes file around and I remember reading
    about Futurekids. Apparently a former DECcie used his TFSO to start one
    in Westboro, Ma.
    

re: -1

I looked at RANGER::EDUCATIONAL_COMPUTING and could not find any note about
FUTUREKIDS.  Any more specific pointers?

Kyra

    Look at the base note - 1084.0 - this is the franchise called
    Future Kids.
    
    Sandi

Yeah I saw that note.  Are you saying this particular "franchise" is the "main 
office" country-wide?  I got the impression this was just a "franchise" or an 
"outlet", if you will.  Well, I will write to them anyway since they will either
have the info I'm looking for or know where to get it.  I was also looking for 
an 800 number since it is long-distance for me.  Maybe they will have that too.
Anything I find out of interest I will post here.

Thanks,
Kyra

    Eric (3.5 yr) lately shows great interest in computers.
    We have a PC at home.  I am thinking to get some educational
    software.  Any recommandation is welcomed.  The PC we have is
    386 based and runs MS-DOS.  I am especially interested in 
    software that teaches basic reading and math.
    
    Thanks, Wendy

    This is as good a place as any to ask:

    Has anyone had experience with the summer computer camp available to
    children of dec employees ?  My son will be old enough this summer
    (assuming they still offer it) and I'm seriously considering it.

    L.

re: .12

My Niece who is 4.5 loves something called "Reader Rabbit".  I've never seen it.

Bob

    Larry, I don't know whether the computer camp, as such, is still
    offered.  However the camp is/was sponsored by the French River
    teachers' center in North Oxford.  It might be worth a phone call to
    them to see if it still exists.
    
    If not, I suggest you ask them about the computer courses offered to
    children by the school system, during the summer.
    
    I have recently learned of a new (to me at least) system called
    "futurekids". I have no idea of what it actually is, but my preschool
    offered it to the kids, at a fee of course, it sounded like a kind of
    computer camp as well.  I think that it is based out of the Framingham
    or Westboro area.
    
    As for something simple as a basic beginner computer, our solution was 
    two-fold.  We first bought a second hand Commodore Computer and added
    two "joy-sticks".  This enables him to use it both as a learning tool
    as well as a sort of Nintendo.
    
    We have since bought "Alphie", the robot shaped suedo computer.  It has
    some basic tasks on it, like numbers, basic math, letter, some simple
    spelling, and a couple games.  It was around $25.
    
    Hope this helped.
    Lyn 

    Cross post this in notes conference NAC::IBMPC. Someone there is sure
    to answer you.