ClickStart Computer

Boy have things changed since we were preschoolers. Young children now are expected to have a basic set of skills before entering kindergarten including basic math and pre-reading skills. And today's young children are computer literate!

So what computer should you buy for your preschool child? I chose the Leap Frog ClickStart for several reasons. (See an online demo here.)

First, this computer plugs into the input jacks of a TV. I liked the idea that my young child would not have access to the internet, nor could she accidentally wreak havoc on my computer.

Second, the price is right. The computer itself retails for $59.99 (unlike some other early learning computers which are in the $300 range). Additional software sells for $15-20 depending if you catch it on sale. The AC adapter for the computer unit is another $10, but worth it so that you don't have to replace batteries (the keyboard only takes batteries because it is wireless).

Third, software titles include characters that my child is already familiar with: Dora, Nemo, Backyardigans, Toy Story, Thomas to name a few.

So how is it, you ask. It's a great starter computer in my opinion, and in my daughter's opinion as well. I was happily surprised to see that she mastered using the mouse and arrow keys within days. She can operate it all on her own, from turning on the TV and computer, to navigating to the game and level she wants to play. With two levels of play, she will surely continue playing with this computer for a long time.

Since my daughter is learning her letters and numbers by sight and is in the early stages of learning to read, I feel that many of the games are reinforcing the skills that she is learning at preschool and at home.

I definitely recommend this starter computer for the preschool set.

Suggested Ages: 3 to 6 years.

WIN IT: How cool is this? We have one ClickStart My First Computer ($59.99) plus the Learning Carnival software ($19.99) for one of our lucky readers (total prize value $80). Just leave a comment by midnight (Eastern), Monday, February 25, and we will randomly choose a winner. We must be able to reach you by e-mail if you want to win. One entry per person. (See our tips for winning.)

Also of note: Leap Frog recently held a Learning Moments contest and awarded $25,000 for college tuition and $500 in Leap Frog products. View the winner's video submission here and read about Maggie and her sisters in this news article.

(This was written by Leeanthro who can be read at Soy is the New Black where she dishes about family, food, foraging, and frivolity. While many of the products she discusses are sold only through boutique or specialty stores, some are widely available at national stores and online.)