Laptop for Kids Educational Toy

Pros and Cons of Laptop Toys

Knowing how to use a computer is a necessity for kids growing up in today’s world. However, youngsters may not be ready to use Mom and Dad’s computer. Companies have developed learning games on laptops built specifically for children to use that allows them to work on technology skills while learning their numbers, alphabet, shapes and colors.

If you are considering picking up a laptop for kids educational toy, you will want to consider the pros and cons of the toy before buying. Some positive and negative points about a laptop include:

• Pro: Increase hand-eye coordination
• Con: May have lots of bright, flashing lights
• Pro: Can keep some children from playing with an adult PC or laptop
• Con: Can make some inquisitive children more interested in their parents’ computer
• Pro: Laptops are portable, making them perfect for quiet indoor play and car rides
• Con: Kids might play with them for hours, staying sedentary instead of running and playing
• Pro: School-age children can play games that enhance academics they are already learning
• Con: Children with learning problems may find these toys frustrating instead of helpful

Monitor the amount of time your child spends on the laptop to be sure he or she is getting proper physical exercise. Asking questions about various games and problems will keep your child engaged and interacting with you, instead of playing solitarily the entire time.

Laptop for Kids Educational Toy by Age

Laptops for kids can be found for almost any age. Even school age children who use a computer at school may not be ready to be left unsupervised on an adult’s computer. Purchase a laptop toy that features educational software appropriate for your child’s age and development.

Infant to Toddler

Even babies and toddlers can get acclimated to using a child’s laptop. The Discovery Baby Laptop is great for little ones just learning colors, numbers and the alphabet. With animal sounds, fun phrases like “peek-a-boo” and more, this is a cute toy for any tech-savvy parent’s progeny.

Though marketed towards preschoolers, many toddlers will love the features of the SW Express Preschool Laptop. Buttons activate lights and sounds and will activate a fun matching game, perfect for toddler to preschool aged children.

Lower Elementary

This age group is perfect for introducing a more advanced laptop toy. Look for software that focuses on simple math and reading skills through educational games while providing features for reviewing basic number and letter concepts. Laptops for preschool, kindergarten and first graders include:

• Notebook Wizard, which features 12 bilingual learning activities (English and Spanish) and a music mode.
• Fun 2 Learn Laughtop teaches fundamentals like phonics along with basic computer skills like mouse manipulation and checking email.
• Ready Set Learn! Paz’s Learning Laptop has animations to guide children through the various learning activities and comes with a handle for easy portability.
• Power Color Learning Laptop comes with 45 activities and 20 arcade games, making it ideal for children who are easily bored.

Middle Elementary

Kids who are between the ages of 8 and 11 may find many educational kids’ software too simple. For kids who are not ready to use a real PC but crave a more adult laptop, options are available.

Children often have a favorite character, movie or television program at this age. Help foster their love of learning by finding a laptop for kids educational toy that features their favorite character. The Barbie B-Smart Learning Laptop and Spider-Man Spider-Smart Learning Laptop are perfect ways for keeping children engaged in academics.

The Touch Tablet Notebook Computer from V-tech offers a grown-up look and design with over 100 activities. Math and reading are covered, but so are geography, history, art, music and even foreign language. Games adjust with the child’s skill level to encourage higher-level thinking.

Laptop Toys and Beyond

Kids will outgrow laptop toys fairly quickly as computers get introduced to them at even earlier ages. Those aged 12 years and up will usually find laptops childish and easy. They have usually reached an age of maturity where they can be trusted to use a home computer appropriately. Instead of a toy, buy educational PC games for your tweens and teens to use at home.