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Educational computer games – having fun while learning

Kids love to play games, and like to have fun the in process, what better way to combine the two activities than an educational computer game. Computer games are more than just playing; they can be educational. Here are some criteria you may want to think about when looking for an educational computer game:

 

What age is the child? A game for a toddler like that focuses on memory, shapes, colors etc would probably not stimulate a child of 8. An educational computer game for an 8 year old should focus on reading, math and logical skills. This game would probably frustrate a 4 year old who has not yet mastered the art of reading. Generally, the ages on the side of the boxes of games can help indicate age appropriateness.

What do you want to emphasize in learning? Each educational computer game may have a specific goal in mind. Some may concentrate on colors, shapes, sound repetition, phonics, math, logic, reasoning, and memory. If the goal is to introduce phonics to a preschool aged child, try and find a game that can adapt and grow, with different levels as the child progresses. A computer game that concentrates on reasoning skills, where bits and pieces must be collected along the way to solve a mystery at the end, would suffice for building logic, reading, and reasoning skills.

How long do you want the game to last? Many of the games have the option of stopping and starting so the child can pause, take a break or complete some other task. Some of the games go in stages so they child can finish one section of the educational computer game at a time.

Portable or not? Do you want this game to come along with you? If you can put the game on a lap top, just how much space do you want it to take up? An educational computer game for a child is highly interactive and tends to take up a great deal of space on the hard drive. Be warned, you might want to get your kids a computer of their own just for such educational computer games.

Children will be drawn to colorful computer games, and parents, by using the above simple suggestions, should help them choose the right educational computer games.