"The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher." Elbert Hubbard
Children really enjoy using ipods (and other MP3 players) but this type of technology doesn't have to be limited to music.
Why not turn their ipod into an education?
When my children got ipods for Christmas I began to look around for ways to use this technology for a bit of sneaky homeschooling.
There are some wonderful resources available that I want to share with you. Not all the resources on my list are free, but I have tried to choose ideas where you can at least download a free demo.
Audio Resources
Podcasts
There are some wonderful educational podcasts available for children. See Free Educational Podcasts.
Audiobooks
We mostly use the ipods for listening to audiobooks. There is a huge range available. For free (legal) resources I would recommend:
My children don't really like 'learning songs' very much but I know some children love them. Here are some good places to go to find them.
Songs for Teaching - not free but a huge amount of educational music. Many albums have free downloads of two or three songs. Also - if you sign up for their newsletter they send you links to free downloads.
KidsKnowIt - Lots of free educational songs but not all downloadable. Mainly for younger children.
Language Resources
Don't forget to load your existing language Cds into your ipod. If you are looking for new stuff try:
Open Culture - a really comprehensive list of free foreign language lessons.
Homeschooling Ideas
Lesson Plans and Study Guides
Providers of educational materials are now beginning to tap into the technology of MP3 players.
Spark Notes - lots of study guides for literature. Some free downloads available on the site.
