[ray|raven]

Um, I think Edubuntu comes with some apps for kids to learn,
You might not need them.Try selecting kubuntu-desktop for installation and see the size.

And cant really explain that feature to you as its been quite sometime since i used Ubuntu/Synaptic.
However try this,

1.Tick all packages you wanna install,
2.Then check in the menus(The File,Edit thingies) , one of em should contain a 'generate download list' or ' generate download script'.
3.Clicking should result in a list of download links of the selected packages.
4.You can then download them at leisure.

Let me know how it goes,

EDIT : Didnt last month's digit come with the ubuntu DVD?
Perhaps you could find the packages in it?

Regards,
ray