Preschool Online Games

Computer Introductions

In today's technology savvy world, children are introduced to the computer at younger ages each year. In fact, many kindergarteners enter elementary school already equipped with an uncanny ability to work their way through the Web. By the time a child reaches middle school, he or she is often more computer confident than his or her parents. Where should an introduction to the computer begin? In the preschool years! That's right. There are so many wonderful preschool online games for you and your child to enjoy.

Computer Safety

Don't make the mistake of introducing your preschooler to the computer and then walking away. While he may become quite adept at handling certain games on the Internet, you never know where a few clicks of the mouse might lead him. Unless you've created an account specifically for him (and in most cases, parents don't do this until a child uses the computer more independently), your child will probably be using the computer under your log-in.

If you are like a lot of adults, you probably don't have any limits set on the types of sites you can access. Unfortunately, your child could hit a few strategic keys unknowingly and access sites that he really shouldn't see! Because of this possibility, you don't want to leave your little guy or girl alone at the keyboard. While obviously he can't communicate with someone else via the computer, and you don't have to worry about online predators trying to talk to him, you do have to worry about adult-oriented pictures appearing on the screen, so be ever vigilant when your little one is at the computer!

Choosing Preschool Online Games

As you begin searching for preschool online games that your child can enjoy, keep the following points in mind:

• Educational-Look for games that actually stimulate your child's interest and creativity. Games could include multiple choice, elimination, and matching activities, but you should also look for games that offer more open-ended questions that encourage your child to think creatively.
• No charge-There really isn't any reason for you to pay for something that you can get for free. There are so many wonderful online game sites that are perfect for your preschooler, and you shouldn't have to pay a dime. You may need to register, however, but if the site asks for your credit card information, skip it!
• Age recommendations-Before you set your child down in front of the computer to play preschool online games or any preschool software, pay attention to the age recommendations of particular sites. If you try to get your little one to play games that are too difficult for her, she may become frustrated and refuse to play at all!
• Try it first-Before you ask your child to play, try the game out for yourself. This is the best way to decide if the game is right for your child or not.

Game Sites

The following game sites offer you several game options. Please don't take our word for it, however. Be sure and try the games out for yourself. Because sites change often, a site that was once good may not be any more. If you have any sites you'd like to recommend, we'd love to hear from you and so would our other readers! Leave your site suggestions in the comments section of this article.

• Fisher-Price
• Sesame Workshop
• Kaboose
• Internet 4 Classrooms
• Nick Jr.
• Gamequarium Jr.
• Hasbro
• Jambav
• Mother Goose
• Kinder Planet