We just got a newer Mac computer that is running OS X. I am looking for good preschool CD-rom programs that my 4 year old can play without needing my constant help. Does anyone know some? I was thinking something like Jumpstart Preschool or Kid Pix, but I would like to hear actual experiences with the products before buying them. Thank you!
Hi S.,
My daughter is 3, and she also loves www.starfall.com. It's amazing and promotes reading and more! We also have Caillou Preschool software that teaches letters, colors and shapes. I think there is a Caillou Kindergarten that we will be looking for.
~J.
This is a website but it is fantastic for learning phonics and beginning reading. www.starfall.com. It is very user friendly for children.
My oldest is in middle school now, so don't know if it's still available but there used to be a Fisher-Price Little People Farm and Home computer game that was wonderful! The game really just needed you to push any button at the appropriate time or click the mouse somewhere in the general area of a target. It seemed to disable MOST of the keyboard buttons so that she didn't end up damaging my computer or getting caught and frustrated somewhere she shouldn't be. It was great, I could be working nearby and my toddler could feed the farm animals the right food, play music videos, serve the even number of snacks to guests, catch the right number of fish in the bath tub, match the shoes, help the baby animals find their mommies, etc... My kids loved it. Good luck!
Jumpstart programs are great. I used them for my kids when they were little, through 3rd grade. After showing them how to go through, they were able to do everything on their own. I supervised but did not have to sit with them all the time.
Go to the library. There are so many games there that you can check out, and try before you buy.
My daughter has used those in her schools.
She likes it.
Its fun and great.
My friend, uses those with her kids too. She likes it and her kids like it. She is a Teacher.
What you can also do is, go to www.amazon.com and input/search for Mac preschool games. Then you can read all the "reviews" on it there... and see the star ratings on it.
All the best,
Susan
PBS has a pretty good selection of online games that are free for kids and really vary in skills & levels. Of course, they are based on the shows, so depending on how you feel about those, they may or may not work for you. http://pbskids.org/games/
Have you ever tried starfall.com? It is an amazing learning site. Also pbskids.org as well!
Because I helped create some, I have a preference for CD's from Edmark (sometimes under the name of Riverdeep). They are educational, designed to make kids think, as well as entertaining.
