One of the things I love about our new school is that my kids have technology lab at least once a week. My kids were fairly computer savvy before, but when I tell them to “close the browser and then relaunch the program” they actually know what I mean.
Another advantage of sending my kids to a tech savvy school is that the teachers recommend websites for the kids to visit to play learning games or help them with assignments. So visiting sites like BrainFuel at BrainFuel4Kids.com has become part of our afternoon homework routine.
BrainFuel aims to help take your child’s learning to the next level. Research suggests key changes in diet, exercise, and sleep can enhance cognitive abilities, so BrainFuel features sections like Brain Food, Healthy Brain, and Brain Games aimed at engaging kids and parents. The site also runs a Brain Forum, where parents can discuss our kids eating habits or ask a question of the forums’ registered dieticians.
Brain games and cool facts
Try the challenging games for kids and adults from Lumosity.com designed to promote quicker thinking, better concentration, and improved memory. I tried out the Color Match game, which isn’t as easy as you think. Also, I’m embarrassed to admit as a writer how hard the World Bubble game was. Luckily, I’m really good at Lost in Migration, though I’m not sure what that says about me. (To find out how you compare to people your own age you have to go to Lumosity and sign up. Warning: the games are addictive!)
I love the nutritional and health info on the site, for example Can Proper Nutrition Improve School Performance? and Kick the Caffeine. Not only does it give you some fast info (what you’d tell the kids) but links to research articles.
Feedback
My biggest problem with the site is that the navigation is confusing and there’s no search box. The easiest way to find articles is to use the sitemap. I’d like them to feature more nutritious and fun recipes, too.
I also hope that California Innovations and Arctic Zone, the developers of the BrainFuel site, keep adding new content and games so users want to continue coming back. (Full disclosure: I love California Innovations and have been using their thermal bags for years. I’m glad to see them extend their brand by helping out families with health and nutrition advice.)
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Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. For my time, I received a free one-month membership to Lumosity.com and an insulated lunch bag from California Innovations with special coupons from their partners Dole and Juicy Juice.
