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How Do I Choose the Best Games for Preschool Kids?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Parents, teachers and caretakers of preschool children often look for ways to entertain children and, in some cases, provide valuable bonding time between parents and children. A popular way to do this is to use games for preschool kids. In order to choose the best games for preschool kids, you might first determine what your focus is, consider recommendations from preschool teachers and parents, read magazines to find what others have found beneficial and consult consumer review agencies.

One of the most important steps in choosing games for preschool kids is to determine what your focus is. If would like to engage children in educational games, you might choose games that focus on learning the letters of the alphabet or numbers. Games that focus on learning about nature might be conducted outdoors. Quiet indoor games might help parents bond with their children. Games for preschool kids come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing what you would like to focus on beforehand might be beneficial.

The best games for preschool kids depends on what a parent wants her child to focus on.
The best games for preschool kids depends on what a parent wants her child to focus on.

Preschool teachers and parents might be great resources if you want to choose games for preschool kids. Parents who have older children have firsthand knowledge of different games they used with their preschool kids and what was popular and what wasn’t. Similarly, preschool teachers have been trained in early child development and have experience in what games kids like. They might be able to direct you to a variety of games that fulfill all of your goals.

Magnetic letters can be used in games that teach children about the alphabet.
Magnetic letters can be used in games that teach children about the alphabet.

Magazines, such as those targeted toward parents, might be a wealth of information for you when choosing games for preschool kids. Many times, these magazines have contributors who test out a variety of games and then write about their experiences with them. Not only might this provide you with a group of games that come highly recommended, both by parents and children, you also might learn about games that don’t accomplish any of your goals. In addition, these magazines usually review a cross-section of games and toys, including many that might be less popular but very good choices.

Preschool games should be inclusive, ensuring that all students are engaged.
Preschool games should be inclusive, ensuring that all students are engaged.

Consumer review agencies are another great place to obtain unbiased reviews of toys and games for preschool kids. Some of these agencies focus solely on toys and games. Consumer review agencies rate products based on a variety of criteria, so it is easy to see a side-by-side comparison of various games and toys. This might help you determine which ones will be the best choices based on the goals you have set.

Discussion Comments

pleonasm

I've been surprised by the way kids take to using computers, even at this young age. My little niece has been exposed to them since she was old enough to crawl around and now that she's four she can just about figure out the really simple games by herself if someone keeps an eye on her.

I wouldn't let her do that all day every day, but most of the time the games have an educational flavor and I suppose computers are something she's going to have to be good at in order to get anywhere in this day and age.

croydon

@browncoat - When I was about that age all we wanted to do was play "pretend to be adults". My mother let us play with her costume jewelry and some of her pretty scarves, but she would always ask us how many scarves we were wearing, or how many necklaces to help build up our math skills.

I know I've played coloring matching games with kids and definitely done a lot of coloring in with them.

I was babysitting for a preschooler a little while ago and we started playing a game where I would draw something like a cat and he would draw a spaceship for it. Inevitably the cat would then fire upon the other animals I had drawn, but at least he was using his imagination!

browncoat

Remember that your games don't have to be complicated. Preschool kids love just being with an adult and being the center of attention.

My nephew gets excited even if we are just walking around town and he is telling me what letters of the alphabet I'm pointing to in various signs.

As he got a bit older, he's even able to read a little bit. He gets lots of praise from me and it makes him want to try even the most difficult words. Those ones we sound out together.

He also quite likes number challenges. I tell him to count to twenty in twos, for example, or to add numbers or whatever.

It sounds simple or boring to us, but since he's getting a chance to exercise new and exciting skills, he loves it. Plus, we get to spend time together and he learns something.

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    • The best games for preschool kids depends on what a parent wants her child to focus on.
      By: oocoskun
      The best games for preschool kids depends on what a parent wants her child to focus on.
    • Magnetic letters can be used in games that teach children about the alphabet.
      By: Sean Gladwell
      Magnetic letters can be used in games that teach children about the alphabet.
    • Preschool games should be inclusive, ensuring that all students are engaged.
      By: Ilike
      Preschool games should be inclusive, ensuring that all students are engaged.
    • Taking preschoolers outdoors might help them learn about nature.
      By: markskalny
      Taking preschoolers outdoors might help them learn about nature.
    • Preschool games may include the use of puppets.
      By: photka
      Preschool games may include the use of puppets.