Educational Video Games

Video games are a large part of today's youth. You can find combat, adventure, skill, and so many other games that will keep you and your children entertained. But, do you really want your five year old killing bad guys on the street?

That's where the lovely invention of the educational video game comes to play.

What's cool, is that where these games teach lessons in math, science, and english, they're fun to play.

You can find games that are suitable for children ranging from three years old to the early teen years.

The Leapster is a handheld video game similar to that of the Nintendo Gameboy, but produced by LeapFrog. Children can play games that teach the alphabet, phonics, basic math (to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), arts, and animal facts.

The games slide into the top of the handheld console and open a world of learning and fun.

Each of the games use the touch screen and stylus that is included with the console.

Currently, there are over 40 games available on the market, and 50 that have been produced overall.

The Leapster is the largest library for any educational handheld game. The LeapFrog company prides itself on creating the most superior educational content that has levels that are based on the child. Each game is included with a "Hint" feature that brings up audio or animated information on the controls or the curriculum in order to help the child if he/she gets stuck.

The two most common and successful games include Clickstart My First Computer and Leapfrog Leapster.

The Leapster is a revolutionary game that provides young children with a handheld game that is both fun and educational. The Leapster LeapFrog extends the playing option of educational games. No longer do children have to sit on the computer for extended hours or in front of the television. Children can take the handheld game on trips, waiting at the doctor's office, or just about any other situation or scene.

But, when at home, you can plug the Leapster L-Max into the television and play games on a larger screen for a bigger experience or they can unplug and take the handheld game on the go.

Because the L-Max can be plugged into the television, it enhances parental involvement because parents can see what is happening in the game as it's projected onto the television. At times, the L-Max will create a dual screen, in which what appears on the handheld screen is different from what appears on the television.

JumpStart is a series of educational games that is produced by Knowledge Adventure. The games are designed for a variety of ages, ranging from toddlers to preadolescence. Children can play games ranging from adventure, puzzles, and problem solving. Generally, the games that are designed for younger children include more activities than for those that are designed for older children.

With the JumpStart games, you can even print out progress reports to see how your child is improving. These reports can help you decide which areas of learning your child needs help in.

Currently, the only official games in the series are the JumpStart Advanced produces that range from Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 through 4. Each package includes four disks; one of the disks is the actual educational aspect of the series. This disk is the "Fundamentals," whereas the other three disks provide considerably less educational value.

Knowledge Adventure did not stop at the JumpStart CD games. They, also, have the JumpStart workbooks, DVDs, and downloadables.

All of the JumpStart products aid in subjects such as reading, math, social studies, languages, and art and music. This interative educational games and guides will help your child get started or get up to speed with the subjects he may be having problems with.

V.Smile is an educational game system that was produced by the VTech company. The game uses "Smartridges," ROM cartridges, to allow children to play games that teach them the essentials in a curriculum, such as the alphabet, phonics, mathematics, colors, patterns, and more. The V.Smile is geared for children between the ages of 3 and 8.

VTech makes both a television game console, as well as, a handheld pock version. The V.Smile Pocket is essentially device in terms of the CPU and GPU. The pocket version, also, has an AV output that can be connected to an external monitor. The great thing about the V.Smile Pocket is that you don't have to purchase separate Smartridges for the game; the standard game cartridges that fit the television V.Smile will, also, fit the handheld version of the game console.

The buttons on both the game console and the controllers are made large enough to accommodate young children, as well as, those with less developed manual dexterity.

The console uses flashy colors with large fluorescent buttons that help attract and maintain the attention of young children.

The V Smile console is the first game console to have a built in compartment to store the cartridges, which helps to keep them all in one place.

Since the games are built to fit young children, simple two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and animation (sprites) are used rather than polygon graphics, which are more complex 3D computer graphics based on polygons and surfaces.

In 2007, V.Smile was relaunched with a refreshed look. The new V.Smile Enhanced includes a microphone bundled with the console, as well as, a more featured joystick, the now includes a drawing pad.

The more popular games associated with the V.Smile include:

• Bob the Builder
• Winnie the Pooh
• Dora the Explorer
• The Backyardigans
• Thomas and Friends
• Cars
• The Lion King
• Scooby Doo

Today is a society of computers and technology. On average, just about every home has at least one computer with internet access. With all the information that you can find while searching the internet, educational information and game for children, is definitely one of them.

Children's education is a major concern with today's and yesterday's parents. Always wanting a little more help.

So, turn the internet into a tool for learning.

There are various games online where children can play with their favorite characters such as the Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Calliou, and Dragon Tales. By using beloved children's television characters, the children are more than likely to keep their attention on the game.

The brightly colored characters and scenes are one more reason that children love the games.

You can purchase the Fisher Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad with extra characters to help keep your child on websites that are child friendly and safe. It will ensure that you child will only be allowed to visit the website of the character that he chooses, and nothing else.

Remember that although the internet is a wide range of information that can help your child and his education, it is a place that can, also, hurt your child. As a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor your child's interent usage. There are child safety blocks that you can use to child proof your computer(s). Just because the internet is filled with possible dangers, never let this hinder your child's ability to use the internet to play educational games to help him further his education and skills.

Pictures are stock photos from toys-r-us.