In many cultures throughout the world and throughout history, games have been used as a way to teach valuable skills to children. The Computer Age is no exception. In addition, studies have shown that exercising the mind is important for adults as well:
"People with Alzheimer's disease were less active in passive, physical and intellectual activities. Since intellectual activities appear to keep the brain healthy, adults should have more opportunities to participate in learning activities" (from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 13, 2001;98:3440)."Participating in ordinary tasks such as reading, listening to the radio and playing games like checkers and cards on a daily basis may stave off the memory-robbing illness Alzheimer's disease" (from the Journal of the American Medical Association 2002;287:742-748).
There are many computer games out on the Internet, but it can be difficult trying to find the best free software. My kids and I have had a great time downloading new software, eagerly anticipating playing the new games, and then weeding out the not-so-good ones from the "keepers." The games listed and reviewed here are some of the better ones that we have come across. Some of them exercise a child's creativity in different ways, or they stimulate logical thinking and strategic planning and problem solving, or they enhance spatial perception (in three dimensions), or they build up eye-hand coordination and quick reflexes, or they help teach various computer skills (such as using the keyboard and the mouse), etc.
My kids both began using the computer when they were two years old, and they both enjoy playing computer games with me (where I use some of the controls and they use some of the other controls). It's actually a good way to have fun, educational family time together, and it helps teach them valuable computer skills, not to mention teaching them about sharing and patience!
This website will be a growing list of freeware, demos (which are free but which only provide a small version of the actual game), and some shareware programs (which allow you to try out the games for a limited time, after which you must purchase the game). My intention is to provide mostly freeware, but there are some very good shareware programs which might be worth purchasing, depending on your budget.
Be aware that some games may contain elements which you as a parent don't feel are appropriate for your children. What I tend to do is to download a new game when my kids aren't around, then scan it for viruses (very important!), then install it and run it. If it runs fine and I don't see anything objectionable from a Christian standpoint or a parental standpoint, then I'll show it to my kids.
If you know of any good games or other free educational software available on the Internet, please let me know!
Consider visiting some of my other websites!
You'll find a Christian ministry with dozens and dozens of articles and answers to many questions that I have received over the years (please feel free to send me your questions and prayer requests!); plus a collection of some of the best self-working card tricks around (no sleight-of-hand required!); plus instructions and pictures which show you how to tie dozens of the most useful rope knots; plus a bunch of amazing/funny/fascinating/interesting videos from around the Web which are all clean and family-friendly; plus a huge collection of cool science tricks and other fun stuff to try (using things around the house), and more!
For a complete list, go to http://www.Layhands.com/DavesWebsites.htm.
Hope you like 'em!
Modification History
| 02/12/2007: | Added a link to my new page called "Dave's Websites." |
| 12/07/2003: | Added reviews of Aargon, Chess, MasterMind, Minesweeper, Othello, Pop The Balloon Dog, PuzzPower, Return of the Incredible Machine, Smiley Concentration, and Thomas the Tank Engine. |
| 10/20/2003: | Added reviews of Child Proof, Drawing for Children, Freddi Fish, Game Maker, LaGrange, Master of the Skies, Putt Putt, Reflexion, Spheres of Chaos, Spy Fox, Tangram, and Tux Typing (for Linux). |
| 10/12/2003: | New website. |
Dave Root
Houston, TX, USA
Send e-mail to: dave@Layhands.com