We are really struggling with Annie of late and part of that is because she is bored at home, this kid is ready for school, now.
One of the tools I’m using to keep her occupied and distracted is Tux Paint a free drawing program for kids aged 3-12. I’ve downloaded it onto Fred (my laptop) and it is fantastic. What I love best is you can set up the program so the mouse pointer is trapped inside the tux paint window – means the little evil brats darlings can not delete or tamper with any important system files.
Another bonus – no huge collection of artworks that you have to sneak into the rubbish bin when the children are not looking… well unless you choose to print out the pictures they create. That makes me very happy because we get more artwork brought home from pre-school than I ever anticipated.
Check it out (Tux Paint), give it a whirl, it is free and oh so easy to use.
11 responses so far ↓
Kendra // May 9, 2008 at 7:36 am |
WOW, this is GREAT! I have a feeling this might keep her well-occupied over her upcoming summer break! Thank you for mentioning it!
I’m passing this on, definitely!
Kendra // May 9, 2008 at 7:37 am |
In my previous comment, “her” meaning my 5-year-old daughter. I was typing too fast…
Guera // May 9, 2008 at 8:33 am |
This looks great! Thanks for the link. Just downloading it now for Guerita – I might never get a go on the computer again!!!
Melanie // May 9, 2008 at 4:57 pm |
We Heart Tux Paint too
planningqueen // May 9, 2008 at 10:40 pm |
I think I have a couple here who will love it too, will download it tomorrow.
BTW – All my technical troubles are over finally and to celebrate my 100th post I have a free e-book to download that you might be interested in called Planning With Kids Top 100 Tips.
Jayne // May 10, 2008 at 12:02 pm |
Oooh, that sounds like a great program!
Check out Rainforest Maths
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/
and Ozspeller
http://www.ozspeller.com/
a couple of great fun game based learning sites a lot of kids love.
leechbabe // May 11, 2008 at 6:46 am |
Kendra – glad you like it, hope it is a hit with your 5 year old.
Guera – Hopefully Guerita loves Tux Paint but not too much so you can get to your computer again soon.
Mel – Hi! Is a great program indeed.
Planning Queen – hope your two love it also. Will come over and check out your ebook once family party day is over.
Jayne – Thank you for the links, they look great.
Bill Kendrick // May 13, 2008 at 2:48 am |
Glad you’re all enjoying it!
leechbabe // May 13, 2008 at 4:08 pm |
Hi Bill. Thank you for stopping by. We love Tux Paint and if you do happen to read this – thank you very much for the wonderful program.
Fern // May 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm |
That’s a great idea, although my son is a little young atm I’m sure to be grabbing it in a couple of years time
leechbabe // May 13, 2008 at 5:23 pm |
Fern – It is wonderful program, if you have any slightly older toddler friends it is a very good way to distract them so you can have some quiet time and chat to their parents.