Top 10 Educational Websites For Preschoolers Review

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

mhew
Clifton, NJ

If they're growing up techies, let them be educated!

into trying new things, married, a woman, Every day computer user, not rich, a busy person, experienced parent, constantly online

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Pros

children learn to use computers, educational

Cons

too much computer time, not so good

NOV

2008

My daughter, who is nearly four years old, learned to play computer games at just under 3 years of age. Ever since we first let her play around on our laptops, her ability to maneuver the touchpad and some of the keys has taken off! I am amazed at some of the games she is able to play, and her world has been opened up to so many new things and ideas. All age-appropriate, of course.

I have found myself hunting down educational sites for her to play around with and saving them as favorites for her on the kid-friendly browser I downloaded under her screen name on hubby's laptop.

Here is a list of those I find most educational...

Starfall.com - This website is a great tool for helping your child learn to read. Children explore the sounds each letter makes, one letter at a time. There are interactive books and activities and printables. Start your child on basic Phonics as early as possible. The website is split up into levels from beginner to expert reader.
Sesamestreet.org -Where do I begin? This site is packed with some wonderful games for almost all ages. Even my toddler can get in on the fun with games that only require any keyboard key is tapped. There are videos as well, and you can even browse their playlists based on specific topics or themes. Not to mention, your children get to play and learn with some of their favorite Sesame Street characters!
PBSKids.org - PBS is by far, the only children's network I really appreciate and love my children to watch. I'm probably quite limited to them anyway, since we don't have cable. But, I'm not complaining! PBS only airs educational children's programs during weekday mornings and late afternoons. The best part, NO COMMERCIALS! Their website is just as educational, they have games, music and activities on every single show they air and more.
Fisher-Price.com -If you visit their site, you'll not only find information on the toys this company makes, but you'll also find some very educational infant, toddler, and preschool games when you click on "Fun & Family Time > Fun & Games, Online!" on their menu. Introduce your toddler to alphabet recognition with the Learn You ABCs game. Get your preschooler ready to read with the Phonics Learning Game.
atv.Disney.go.com - Here's another site based on well-loved characters. This game site is based on the shows aired on the Disney Channel. Mickey's Club House, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins, to name a few. I have found that all of these games are educational as well. The graphics are wonderful. But, would you expect any less from Disney?
PoissonRouge.com - This European website appears to you as a child's playroom when you enter it. Click on the various objects in the room to enter fun games and puzzles for your little one.
NickJr.com -My daughter loves this website, so I had to include it on the list. This is probably at the top of her list, but I'm ordering this by the order of which I feel are most educational. She loves this one because it has all of her favorite Nick Jr. characters like Dora, Diego, Wow Wow Wubzy and many, many more. I can often find her watching some episodes of some of these cartoons on their video section. Can you blame her? I already mentioned we don't have cable, so I'm glad she gets to watch some of her favorite shows. And yes, a lot of the games are very educational, but most of them I think are just for fun.
Noggin.com - Here's another site of another cable network we do not have access to. Noggin airs shows for toddlers and small children as well. The site is not as broad as NickJr.com, but like NickJr.com, it also has some videos and educational games separated by characters/show.
Handipoints.com -Handipoints is a website for both parents and children. It's an online reward system! Now you can put those sticker charts away (or print them from this site) and create custom reward charts for each child from age 4 to 16. Post reward goals and both you and your child can watch their points grow towards earning rewards while they do their chores and just plain old BEHAVE from day to day. You can access their chart using your own log in, but the child also accesses their account and earns points towards the interactive world that is included. They create their own feline character, earn points towards clothing and accessories and meet and interact with other cats (that are owned by other children) in Handiland. The site is quite safe. See for yourself or I'll just go on and on!
Sanrio.com - If you don't know Hello Kitty, then where have you been? If you have a little girl, you probably already know who Hello Kitty is, or you will soon. I remember Hello Kitty from when I was a child and I loved her. She seems to be even more popular today for children and even adolescents. My daughter loves to go to Sanrio.com to play with the games, especially the jigsaw puzzles.

There are tons of children's websites out there, but these are the main ones my own child pretty much sticks with and I know she learns from. She has her favorites, and not every one of these gets visited everyday, but they do deserve a good mention. Enjoy browsing with your little ones!

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Comments about mhew’s Review

mhew,
I am glad that I accidentally found this site and your reviews. Thanks for you excellent reviews. I am father of two boys (3 & 1 year old) and I always try to look into things that will keep them busy and educational. I know most of the websites that you mentioned, but some how I keep eluding the idea of providing access to computer for my kid. After reading your review I am now inspired to let my son access the computer.

One thing I want to mention, my son grew watching PBS and Noggin; I pay for cable just to get access to Noggin programs. Wonder full network, my son’s love all programs and specially the songs that air between programs. Some times my younger son insists on playing some songs, and noggin.com comes to our rescue, most of the songs are available on website.

Pradeep