Selecting Software for Young Children

For young children to use computers successfully, it is critical to select software that is developmentally appropriate, that is, consistent with how children develop and learn. Researchers agree that software for young children should:

• Encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving
• Reflect and build on what children already know
• Involve many senses and include sound, music, and voice
• Be open-ended, with the child in control of the pace and the path

These characteristics fit the way that young children learn, and their need to interact with their environment.

Adult participation and guidance are important. Involve children in selecting software that matches their interests. Monitor the amount of time they spend at the computer, and talk with them about their activities. Try not to overwhelm young children with too many choices