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Software for Children

The first educational software programs date back to the 1940s, when the first flight simulators were developed. The arrival of the home computer  inaugurated a new era in computer-based education. Over the past three decades, an entire market has developed around software  expressly intended to educate kids. After a lull at the beginning of the new Millennium, education-oriented computer games are experiencing a renascence. Parents looking to give their children an educational advantage who want to introduce their kids to an exciting and fun medium of learning are the perfect candidates for this kind of software.

Things to Keep in Mind

Major Publishers

The two-pronged nature of educational software can make it difficult for parents without much experience in the market to know where to look and what to buy. Keeping these tips in mind may help ease the decision ...

  • Know your child's educational limits. You certainly don't want to perplex your six year old with a copy of Capitalism,  and Math Blasters  may not be the right choice for your college-bound son's 18th birthday.
  • Be certain the educational aspects outweigh the gaming aspects. There are certainly things to learn from video games not intended for educational use, but the negative consequences of having your child hooked on a game with minimal educational content outweigh the positives.
  • Monitor your kids activity on the computer, either directly or via a log. All it takes to put a young mind in danger is a high-speed Internet connection and a little curiosity.
  • Know what your kid needs to learn. There are games catering to virtually every topic under the educational sun. Many games are specifically geared towards school curriculum or national aptitude standards. There are also games that are less directly pointed at any specific academic subjects that still have strong educational value and focus more on the complete gaming experience. You may even find yourself hooked on some of these titles.

Educational Games

There are educational games geared to every educational software from children's literacy to grown-up economics. The educational gaming market offers familiar and friendly faces like Mario and Mickey Mouse to help get your kids' excited about learning.  The Mia series and the Ollo games have built franchises around complex storylines that contain loads of educational content. For teenagers, more formal presentation is available, but more successful than that are subversive games that teach kids without them even knowing it. Some simulation games accomplish this goal nicely. Don't be surprised if after a few shots at Civilization IV  you find your 15-year olds desk neatly organized and books about maritime warfare around the house.

Games For Pre-schoolers and early grades

Arthur's Preschool features a kid-friendly design with eight distinct activities on two CDs. Kids visit Arthur's friends and learn about counting, the alphabet and making music.

In this visually breath-taking game, Joe and Blue take kids on learning adventures similar to those on their children's television show. The game focuses on logic, linguistic and vocabulary challenges.

Let's Go Read's extensive approach to literacy is both entertaining and easy to understand. A focus on repetition and a sound speech recognition feature make it a good choice.

The Mia series provides extremely entertaining and educational games that even a parent could fall for. Kids take part in an interactive story and learn loads of scientific facts en route.

Ollo In the Sunny Valley Fair is charming and challenging. Educational challenges are weaved directly into the game for intuitive, fun learning. The game focuses on problem solving, colors and numbers.

Games for Middle Schoolers

The 3D game Dr. Brain: Action Reaction will teach players physics, mechanics, geometry, logic and problem solving skills in a fast-paced arcade style puzzle-oriented adventure game.

The Incredible Machine is a logic and mechanics game that is best suited for children eight and above. Kids must help assemble virtual contraptions to complete each level. 100s of levels make replay a must.

Liberty's Kids turns users into reporters on a quest through history. Players learn about the American Revolution, but more interesting, they also learn the basics of journalism: who, what, where, when, why.

Creatures: Village lets kids create creatures, called Noms, and raise them as their own. In doing so, they'll learn about biology, genetics, the environment and plenty else without even knowing it.

Though history and geography may be her usual fortes, Math Detective forces players to use their math skills to outwit Carmen. The game features a progress tracker for curious parents.

Games for Junior High and High School Students

Though it may not feature flashy graphics or gaming functions like most other educational software, Math Advantage is comprehensive and easy-to-use. It's great for struggling students or math fanatics alike.

The series that took simulation to new heights latest entry forces players to deal with complicated city planning schemes, zoning regulations, financial management and other civil engineering tasks.

Looking to turn little John into the next Bill Gates? Capitalism II teaches the fundamentals of economics by allowing players to build their own financial empire. Players also develop human resource management and investment skills.

The Starry Night pack allows players to navigate the solar system and learn about the planets within and space phenomena beyond. Any child or adult who enjoys looking up at the stars will get a lot of satisfaction from Starry Night.

Zoo Tycoon 2 is incredibly addictive for kids and adults of virtually any age. In addition to learning about the various animals in the zoo, players are introduced to complex design and management scenarios.

Educational Consoles

Certain developers felt that the specifications and design of computers were too limiting and have since designed home consoles catering specifically to educational programs and software. The machines are designed specifically for use by children and often abandon the traditional mouse/keyboard input setup in favor of more interactive interfaces. These consoles also have their own games. Though educational consoles have limited capabilities, some parents swear by their results.

VTech V.Smile

Upon its release, VTech's V.Smile  revitalized a lagging children's educational gaming industry. The V.Smile is its own home console system featuring its own games. All of your kid's favorite cartoon characters are sure to be featured and the two-player system allows a sibling, friend or parent to get in on the act. Games either feature story-mode "Learning Adventures" or more rigidly academic drill-based "Learning Zones." The V.Smile costs $60 and games usually run no more than $20. There is also a portable handle version for $20 more.

LeapFrog's Leapster Learning Game System

The LeapFrog Leapster Learning Game System  is a handheld game console that uses control pads and a handy stylus, no different from a Gameboy DS.  And like popular brain-active games such as Brain Age Academy,  the games Leapster offers use the same techniques of inserting learning skills within exciting graphics and suspenseful action. There are multiple levels to be played and familiar characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog appear in the game cartridges. It is intended for children from 4-9. The console is about $50 and the additional game cartridges are $25. 

Learning Journey's Desktop PC

The Learning Journey Desktop PC  not only teaches kids how to use a home computer responsibly, but also features 30 different learning activities that cover language, math, logic, typing skills and other subjects. Though the Learning Journey Desktop PC doesn't run any software, its relatively cheap price and comprehensive program may be appealing as a one-time buy. It is intended for children between ages 5-12. The computer costs about $50 and runs off of three double A batteries or an A/C power adapter.

Educational DVDs

An alternative to game consoles, educational dvds  are the classic way of teaching your children a multitude of vital life skills from math to verbal to science to music. Just by simply popping in the dvd, the child is immediately transported to a magical classroom where learning is part of the entertainment. 

Baby Einstein: Baby's First Moves 

A celebration of baby's first step, jump, and dance. Babies are mesmerized by puppet shows and pretty images set to the famous classical music. Ages 3-11 months.  

Baby Mozart 

Dazzling images accompanied by famous Mozart pieces will charm any child. And any parent. Ages 3 months to 3. 

Great Discoveries with Bill Nye: Physics 

Learn about the world of physics with Bill Nye the Science Guy! Concepts such as the thermodynamic theory and particle acceleration will come as a cinch with easy to grasp explanations. Ages 12-18.

Sesame Street: Learning About Letters 

Learn about each letter through fantastic and funny musical numbers with the help of the beloved Cookie Monster and Lena Horne. Ages 1-7. 

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