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Free Educational Software Game Has Kids Eager for Back-To-School10/3/07 The coming of Fall always means one thing – back to school. In the past, getting new school supplies and seeing old friends have been students’ lone reasons to celebrate the end of summer. But for a growing number of students, the free educational software program “Building Homes of Our Own” has middle and high schoolers eager to return to the classroom. Educators across the country vouch for the success of the award-winning program, a CD-ROM-based interactive learning experience. Many are working with local home builders associations to hold career day presentations. “Building Homes of Our Own” is a perfect introduction to the many careers and skills that go into building a home; allowing students to experience each step of the process, from selecting a location and obtaining permits, through construction and material selection, to reviewing credit histories of potential buyers. “Building Homes of Our Own” not only engages students on a level that they are accustomed to—simulation gaming—but also incorporates national content standards that seamlessly integrate into math, science, social studies, consumer economics and English classroom studies, delivering context to lessons learned in school; introducing students to new entrepreneurial careers; challenging students with lessons of civics and community responsibility; and meeting the needs of teachers who have access to little or no funds for technology teaching tools. An overwhelming success, the free program has been distributed to more than 47,000 classroom educators on request since its launch in 2002, reaching an estimated 4 million students, teachers and parents. The program has garnered awards and accolades from parents, educators and even students themselves. Andrea, a student in South Carolina, was particularly enthusiastic about her experience with the game. “I recommend this game to everyone who likes to build arts or crafts. You have to gamble and still make your dream house… You have to budget your money and still have fun! This is the best game ever!” If you are an educator, home schooler, public library, or member of a home builder association, and would like to discover the game students are raving about, visit www.homesofourown.org or your free copy. To discuss how to get “Building Homes of Our Own” into your child’s classroom, contact the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia at 770-716-7109. To sign up for NAHB’s free consumer e-newsletter, visit http://www.nahb.org/housekeys . With over 700 members, the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia servers building industry related businesses in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Meriwether, Heard, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Butts and Jasper counties. More information about the group can be obtained by calling Sandy Boda at the HBA of Midwest Georgia office at the number above. Home | Education | Housing | Back to top
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