Computer Games for Preschoolers

Let's face it: we live in a computer-driven world. Kids are becoming web-savvy at earlier and earlier ages. My two older boys (now ages 4 and 5) have been drawn to the computer to varying degrees (one far more than the other), and my job as their mom was to find age-appropriate educational sites that would stimulate and teach them while letting them enjoy themselves at the same time.

www.nickjr.com was one of our first stops. The games are based on various Nickelodean programs, but your child doesn't need to watch the shows to play the games. As an added bonus, the site has stories and music for your child to enjoy. Our middle son was just three years old when he began to use this site, and he was easily able to navigate it with only minimal help from me. Your child does not need advanced computer skills or be able to read to play these games or use the site.

www.noggin.com is similar to nickjr.com, in that the games are based upon the television programming, but again, your child does not need to be familiar with the shows to play the games. Noggin.com also has access to various episodes of their programming, which is nice if, like us, you don't get Noggin on your regular cable lineup. Noggin.com has some fun printables to use with your child as well.

http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html# is a fun game for any ages. If you are nostalgic, you'll enjoy this one. Simply click on a space and you'll get a lite. You can change colors to create a picture or just a random pattern. This probably isn't particularly educational, but it's fun, so I'm adding it in here.