Computers for Tots

I think a Leapfrog is a great idea to give your child a headstart. I don't think it replaces the valuable informtion they can learn from you of course. But it is a great tool to supplement with!

E. B
Teaching since 2004
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I have a 6 yr. old and a 4 yr. old and we have been very happy with the Leap Frog products. We started with the various age-appropriate Leap Pads (books/cartriges) and have had hour and hours of fun with them. You can even get headphones for in the car!
Now both kids have Leapsters. The handheld video game types. Still educational. They love them. You can get AC adapters and headphones as accessories so you don't burn through batteries and can use them in the car.

My 4 year old has the Leapfrog computer and loves it.

Hi K.

THe LeapFrog system is awesome!! I had it for my daughter when she was that age and she learned a ton of things. They are both educational and there's nothing wrong with learning from electronics within reason. I think LeapFrog has more options and fairly priced but I heard V-Smile is nice too - only used LeapFrog. Feel free to do your research and I am sure you will find out which one is best for your daughter.

We have the fisher-price Easy Link computer system for my kids. My daughter just turned 4 and she gets to earn computer time. I love that the system locksdown the competer so the kids cannot access files or sites other than what the "keys" take them to ( fisher-prise site, sesame street, disney). My daughter loves the activities, puzzles and online coloring.

I'm not a teacher, but love teaching my son (now 7) and daughter (almost 6mos) new things. I got my son a VSmile when he was 2 and he loved it and I think he did well with it. He was reading at a second grade level in early 1st grade and spells very well. I worked with him alot as well, but the VSmile sure did make it fun for him. Now, he's too old for it and we got him the Nitro Notebook from Vtech and we're saving the VSmile for his baby sister. I may actually get the baby version for her too.
Just my opinion, hope it helps.
Good luck!

Hi,
We got the Click Start for my daughter when she turned 3 because she wanted to be on my computer. She loves it and figured out how to run it within a couple of weeks. She handles the mouse easily, even clicking on her name to start and closing a game to choose another. It is very easy to setup and run games. My 4 year old with Down syndrome also likes it (in particular the cause and effect type activities). I think computers are like anything else: in moderation.

Have fun,
K.

Hi there K.,

I would consider the "more bang for your buck" theory. Some of the interactive video/laptop systems seem really great, but lack variety/games/learning materials. From personal experience, the v-tech ones I think are the best. I got my son's first "laptop" when he was three. It had so many activities that he never got bored. He's going to be 5 here pretty soon, and are already looking into getting him a grownup laptop because of how well adaptive he has become with his own laptop and our computers (my son even googles and surfs the internet now!!!) So basically, look for the features available, and how many activities it has (especially spelling/problem solving ones) for the price. If price is not an issue then just get one with the most of everything. Happy shopping.....she will love no matter what you get for her!!!

B.

My daughter has the v-smile she's 6.5 years old, has little to no interest in it and get's frustrated and irritated with it easily. She also not really into video games.

My counsins kids are way more into video games and her girls do the Leapfrog games and Nintendo Wii with ease they're 2 and 4 years old.

I am not an early childhood teacher but I teach first grade. I also have a 5 year old and a 3 year old. I am against screen time of any kind. My kids do watch the disney channel and some movies but all the toys I buy for them involve active play, creativity, interaction or imagination. They will get enough computer time when they get older. Eventhough the v-smile and Leapfrog items are "educational" they are still screen time and fairly passive. They will not teach your child anything that reading or playing games will not. Try some big dominoes or games like candyland or memory or even uno jr. Better yet, buy some outdoor things like a sprinkler or some giant bouncy balls. Check out small toy stores. They usually have a good selection of fun stuff that will get your child actively engaged. Please, put off the screen time as long as possible!

What I've been reading and hearing is to treat computer time just like TV time. After 2 years of age it is recommended to not have more than 2 hours of screen time a day.

As for the system, I can't help! I'll be contemplating the same thing soon myself! Good luck!

HI

My son got a Smart cycle by Fisher Price for Christmas and he is 4 yrs old. He loves it. I liked the activity part of it as he is a busy boy. We also have a Smart Link that allows him to access the internet for child safe website and we really like it. I think all the systems are created pretty equal, but make sure you limit the time your daughter
is on it. I am an early childhood teacher and a firm believer that children learn best from play and the ability to entertain themselves; TV and computer games should be limited to 30 min a day.