[gnattylove]

Both my 3 yr olds really like to play educational games like at starfall.com on my computer. I am looking for an educational gaming system or little laptop or them for christmas. I want one that they can do by themselves without a lot of help. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Natalie

[mommytoEli]

have you ever looked into the leapster by leapfrog? my 6 and almost 4 year old LOVE them. our 4 year old got it when he was about 2.5. it is easy enough that he could play on his own from the beginning, but not so easy that he outgrew it quickly. there are different levels of games from pre-k to grade 3 i think. Leapster

[avoel]

I second the Leapster. My 4 and 7 year olds love theirs (and the seven year old's is at least 3 years old!). Also, the My First leappad has been well used, my 4 year old is getting the Tag reader for her 5th birthday (and there is a junior version for 2-4 year olds) and the StoryReader (not leapfrog) is a well used toy at our house too.

[jennandsteve]

I third the leapster, my almost 4 yr and 5.5 yr old love them and have for 2 years

[DPline]

Fourthing the Leapster.

[Summer95]

Natalie
If you are looking for a computer have you seen the netbooks (I think that is what they are called). I just seen them at Staples the other day and considered buying it fo rmy son, as he loves playing games on my computer. It is $300, not cheap but much cheaper than a regular laptop. Hope this helps.
Cindy

[gnattylove]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like it is a Leapster. I'll let you know after Christmas how the kids like them. I knew you gals would know.

Thanks again,
Natalie

[Devora]

When our son was 3 we got him a regular desktop computer. He learned to use it SO FAST. There are kid-sized keyboards and mice which is what we got for him. It does make it easier for his little fingers. We simply put shortcuts on the desktop to his games (mostly PBS games) and made the font large on them. He quickly learned which games started with which letters.

I really don't think (other than a smaller sized keyboard and mouse) that any "special systems" are needed for most kids. If your kids are already using your computer then they'll be fine on any regular computer/laptop. If you want a laptop then I would just use one with a mousepad. They won't use the keyboard much anyway.

The only thing he had to learn was to left-click instead of right-click. But he quickly learned that.

[kirbystarcat]

Thanks for posting this. My kids are completely hooked on starfall.com, and I like seeing what others are using too.