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Back to school downloads: Kids under 13
Whether your child is entering kindergarten or grad school this fall, the CNET Download.com library contains software that can help make the most of the school experience. From flash-card programs to homework organizers to scientific calculators, this handy list of our favorite educational programs can help you meet the needs of students in any grade.
Spell 1st Home Edition
If your baby genius is heading off to kindergarten or first grade this fall, Spell 1st Home Edition can teach him or her a list of 100 words first-graders are expected to recognize on sight. The soothing atmosphere and cute animals are suited for small tots, but typing the words after they're spoken can challenge even a five- or six-year-old.
Sight Words Buddy
To help your youngster improve his or her vocabulary, the freeware Sight Words Buddy operates as a sort of multiple-choice flash card for first-grade sight words. A female voice reads a word, and your kid picks the word from a group of three possibilities. Check out the publisher's Web site, too; it has plenty of other quizzes online.
Michelle Reading Timer
As your child gets older, you'll want to make sure he or she is reading enough. Michelle Reading Timer counts down a user-specified time period--say, 15 minutes--then asks the child to enter the number of pages read. The log file lets you check on how quickly and how much your kid reads.
Math Crony
This application will pester you to register, but Math Crony's great reporting tools and huge number of quizzes set it apart. The program categorizes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems by the number of digits so that any child can practice basic math skills.
Math Compass
The levels of difficulty really ramp up in Math Compass, especially for multiplication and division. Logging isn't as convenient as with some programs, but the ability to generate quiz sheets and answer sheets blew us away.
World Geography Games
Children can learn all about the seven continents and four oceans by picking them out on a map of the world. World Geography Games' four levels of difficulty and good reporting tools help students get a grip on the globe.
USA Puzzle
Learn the state capitals, birds, trees, mottos, and other data through quizzes and games. You'll have to register to get past Massachusetts, but the trial should provide enough of a taste to figure out whether you like USA Puzzle.
Science Quiz
Specifically designed for kids in grades three through six, Science Quiz tests knowledge of elementary school science in topics such as human anatomy and simple machines.
MORE RESOURCES
- Tech checklist
College bound? Here are some questions to ask before you pack your gadgets. - Top 10 sites for students
These Web sites will entertain, inform, and connect you to new friends. - mySimon Back to School gift guide
Outfit your student with gadgets, backpack, mini fridge, and more. - PC Starter Kit
Twenty essential apps to set your laptop or desktop up for entertainment, efficiency, and security. - Software for kids under 13
Download.com has five picks to help kids with reading, math, science, and geography. - Downloads for high school students
Cultivate good study habits with these eight free applications. - College-level study aids
Need help with math, chemistry, physics, or just getting organized? Beat the bell curve with these free programs. - Webshots College Live
For university students only: Plan parties, share photos, and hook up at Webshots' College Live. - The ultimate Mac dorm room
For those of you heading back to college, we've put together everything that you'll need for the ultimate Mac-based dorm room. - Cool for school: PDAs for students
We've rounded up four PDAs that can help you keep track of your new schedule, assignments, and friends.
Continuing education
You can never learn enough. Learn some tech tips and tricks with CNET's how-to videos and free online courses.
Podcasting 101- Get music off your iPod
- Sharing photos with friends and family
- Install more RAM
- Get started blogging
- Online course: Podcasting 101 (starts 7/31)
- Online course: Play games on your PC (starts 8/7)
- Online course: Digital music made easy (starts 8/14)
- See all courses
Ultimate setups
What does a well-provisioned student room require? We have picks for every level, plus suggestions for those of you turning junior's room into your own tech haven.
