Finding the Best Software for Different Ages
When you're raising kids, you quickly discover that each age brings its own special delights and challenges. And the best kids' software developers, like astute parents and teachers, understand what kids of different ages like to do, how they learn, what makes them laugh.
But the age ranges on a software package can sometimes be misleading. Not surprisingly, software publishers label their products with the widest possible age range. Our suggestion: Buy at the bottom of the range so your kids will get the most play time out of the software.
Here's what we look for in software at different ages, along with some of our favorite "age appropriate" titles. For more software recommendations for each age group, check out The Best Lists section in The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids.
For 2-3 Year Olds
Remember that little kids learn through play. So programs that foster playful, imaginative activities are best. Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo by Humongous lets kids help a cute purple car named Putt-Putt rescue missing animals and return them to the zoo. If your kids are still mastering the mouse, let them point the way while you do the clicking.
For 4-5 Year Olds
Young learners love a combination of open-ended exploration plus the satisfaction of accomplishing manageable tasks. And for kids this age, don't forget the silliness factor. One program that really gets kids giggling is AlphaBonk Farm from Headbone Interactive . As kids explore the program's strikingly original activities, they also get lots of exposure to letter recognition and pre-reading skills.
For 6-7 Year Olds
This is the age when kids begin their love affair with games. Naturally they prefer to win. And happily the computer lets kids play over and over until they do. One of the best computer games ever created - Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? - is now available in a Junior Detective Edition from Broderbund. Beside the fun of tracking Carmen across the continents, first- and second-graders get to exercise their visual memory and practice reasoning skills.
For 8-9 Year Olds
Kids are instinctive storytellers and at this age, they can handle some fairly elaborate tools for creating artwork and expressing themselves. One of our favorites, Imagination Express from Edmark, lets kids create the best-looking books - on screen or in print - we've ever seen from a computer.
For 10-12 Year Olds
Older kids need the challenge of a quest, a mystery, or a problem-solving game. Software simulations, where they step into someone else's shoes, make decisions and experience the consequences, are especially good. With SimTower from Maxis , kids are in charge of creating and managing a vertical city. Be prepared to lend a hand with younger kids and first-time players. And don't be surprised if you get hooked on this high-rise adventure, too.
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