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Software (and Appropriate Input Device) For a Toddler?
An anonymous reader writes "I have an 18-month-old who loves bright screens (TV and computer), loves loud noises, and loves to mash buttons. He targets my laptop with the button-mashing, and I sort of hate having to tell him 'no' when he wants to explore a computer. I was wondering if anyone knows of some fun (and maybe educational) age-specific PC software that also comes with an age-appropriate input device. I've seen those big-button devices in retail stores that seem to just hook up to the TV, and I've also seen some PC software that requires keyboard/mouse input, which does not seem like the right input device for a toddler."
Check out your local Wal*Mart like store for stuff like this Fisher-Price edu-toy. My nephew has something a little less complex (and more appropriate, possibly, for your situation) but I cannot remember the name of it, only that it's from Fisher-Price. (:
This might be helpful, too.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)
Both my kids started out with a great little app called Keywack.
I took an old Mac Classic sitting in my basement, ran Keywack and the kids loved it. Never trashed the computer either, which I was sure they would do.
Keywack runs on anything, Win/Mac/Lin, and helped me get my kids learning about tech at around 18 months. The fact they are both capable programmers (one a senior in high school, another im middle school) might have something to do with their early comfort level, or it might not. But give it a try...
"The pie shall be cut in half and each man shall receive.....death. I'll eat the pie."
I've been using BabySmash! from http://www.hanselman.com/babysmash/ with my 7 month old since she was around 2 months old.
She can press any key on the keyboard to get sounds and shapes/letters. She absolutely loves it.
I'm now looking for software that is slightly more advanced, but there seems to be a lack of games in this age range...
Just buy him a copy of Duke Nukem Forever. It'll be age appropriate.
Numerous studies indicate that is is best to keep children under 3 away from all tv's, including dvd's, normal tv programming, movies, video games,etc... and to limit video exposure only increasing allowed hours per day gradually as the child gets older.
No tv under 2, limit to under 2 hours for 3 year
No tv under 2
Anarchists never rule
As a father of five, I can testify that as long as you don't abuse it, computers are just as healthy and stimulating as a block of legos. My two year old spends most of his time with cars, blocks, and books; but he enjoys getting on the computer as well. We password protect it so he can only get on with our permission, but he has his own account configured with links to youtube videos of planes and bugs, toddler friendly websites, and games such as Minesweeper and Portal. We fully supervise when he is on the computer and limit how much time he can be on it, but overall it's quite beneficial. He no longer has a paranoia of bugs and he's improved quite a bit with identifying different types of colors and shapes. We credit his ability to recite his ABCs to his Vtech and the games we play with him, but the reinforcement from the computer certainly helps.
Regardless, no matter how a child is raised, it is mostly important to be involved with their day to day actions. Watching them soak up information and apply it is a huge testament to how incredible they are, which is also why it's important to remain involved and direct them.
I'm a virgo and on Slashdot. Coincidence? Yes.