Computer or Laptops for Elementary School Kids

We've been using the computer for educational stuff since kiddo was 2.5.

Websites:

www.starfall.com
www.pbskids.org
http://earth.google.com/
http://kids.discovery.com/
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/

CDR games
- Cluefinders
- Carmen San Diego
- Caesar iii / Caesar iv

Also most top notch museums (British Museum, Smithsonian, Met, Louvre, etc.) Have virtual tours. As do many archeological sites. :) :) :)

R

Maybe you can get a new computer for yourself and give the kids the "old" computer.

Advantage of a laptop is that you can put it in the living room or other open/supervised area while in use (with wireless router) and then put away and not take much space when not in use.

If I were you,I would postpone buying my child their own laptop or computer until they are older. Mine is in kindergarten now, and the only thing the school district sent home was a code to a website that they purchased that has educational reading activities. I would let your child use whatever computer you have available at home instead of buying their own. Closely monitor your child on the computer use, but especially if you choose to let them access the internet. I have seen too many children in my neighborhood get into serious trouble from using the computer improperly and without parental supervision. (Granted those children were middle school aged instead of elementary aged.) Set a limit on your child's use of electronics and computers daily.

Best of luck.

Computer.
Think about how easy it will be for you child to manipulate the mouse or finger pad (if on a lap-top). Or on a lap top you can attach a mouse. Younger kids usually have an easier time with a mouse, versus with a lap-top & it having a finger pad using both hands to drag/point/click/type.

We have both a Mac and a PC.
My daughter learns the Mac at school. That's what they have at school.

good luck,
Susan