What are some exciting educational video games for boys ages 5 to 7?

I think you are right, and kids that age shouldn't be playing aggressive video games, and you should try to get him interested in other types of games too. You have to make sure that the game doesn't have 'educational' stamped on it, as that will almost certainly put him off almost instantly, if he is anything like I was at that age. Games are supposed to be fun, not about 'learning'.

The trick is to find 'normal' games, that will still teach something, and there are plenty of those. Consider these: 1. The Sims: Not competitive, but while taking care of your Sims, you learn a lot of social skills: making new friends, being careful when cooking, attending to basic needs, time management, several types of jobs, hobbies, etc.youtube.com/watch?v=o6gXiw5URNM 2.

Word of Goo: One of the best, 'bridge building' games out there, that requires the player to build constructions using balls of goo, to reach a certain goal, either a height, span a gap, or other challenges. He might be a bit young for this, but I think he would have a ball with it. Check it out: youtube.com/watch?v=-A_JfkzPwww 3.

Gamestar Mechanic If you want it more directly educational, you might want to try gamestarmechanic.com/ Their description: "Gamestar Mechanic aims to be a fun and accessible environment for kids to follow their passion for games and game design. The game and the companion learning guides are being designed to allow teachers to use the principles of game design to inform a larger program of systems-thinking and digital media literacy." Sounds very interesting, they can create on their own, and learn mechanics in the mean time.

4. Talking about mechanics: You might want to give 'The incredible machine' a try.It really challenges players to think about mechanics, and how objects interact. Your boy might be a bit young for this one too, but you could already give it a try online, as there are several versions of it: http://www.cclonline.com/pc/hardware/software/thecclgame/ccl_winter_game.swf or get the demo of the full game here: http://download.cnet.com/The-Incredible-Machine-3-demo/3000-18536_4-10002682.html Here is how it plays: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl7hT2GiO5E I hope this helps.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.