Learning to Read?  Use the Computer Tutor!
By Michele Winkler

Despite my best efforts, my three-year-old daughter learned her alphabet on the computer, from some obscure software program that probably doesn't exist anymore. Though I sounded out every vowel and consonant in Dr. Seuss' Hop on Pop with missionary fervor, it was the flashy graphics and squeaky voices of cartoon characters that finally caught her attention.

It's no surprise that our kids sometimes pay more attention to TV or computers than they do to their parents-just think how many hours a day they spend "tuned in." And, while even the best TV or video program is no substitute for snuggling together on the couch with a good book, as long as the computer's around, why not put it to work for you?

The results are encouraging. More and more elementary schools are turning to educational software to supplement classroom curriculum.  A good reading software program will engage students at their level, then help them gain proficiency by increasing the difficulty level each time they demonstrate mastery, and by easing up when they start to struggle.

It's a win-win situation. Any child development expert will tell you that the kind of positive reinforcement a good computer game offers will boost the child's self-confidence and skill simultaneously. That's because the best programs act as cheerleaders, concentrating on what children are doing right and not on their mistakes. With that emphasis, students quickly learn to respond in ways that keep them on the right track, and soon, voila! Readers emerge.

Educational software lets a student work at his own pace, neither rushed nor held back by the needs of other students. Since young children learn by repetition, the computer's unfailing patience provides a big advantage. It will repeat a lesson hundreds of times and never, ever lose its temper or beg for a break. The computer doesn't have to wash dishes, schedule dentist appointments, or drive carpool; it doesn't have to answer the phone or spend time with other children. Even more important, it is always encouraging. Whatever level the student can manage is the right level.

Which leads to the next question-out of all the educational software out there, how do you pick the best one for your child?

Check it Out

Many libraries carry educational software programs. Try something new each week, and see how your child likes it. Don't be so concerned with how much or how little her reading improves. It takes a long time to make a fluent reader, and as long as the program engages and encourages her, all that time spent looking at letters and words will eventually pay off.

If you have internet access, some software programs let you download program samples or try an online demo version.

If you find a software program you would like to own, check eBay or the internet for specials. There's often no need to pay sticker price, especially for older programs.

Before you buy anything, make sure that your computer meets the specifications. Even if it seems to be a match, make sure you can return or exchange the program if it won't run.

Buy through the School

The book catalogs that the schools send home each month often list excellent software at reasonable prices.  Sometimes your child's school computer lab has copies of software that you can take home overnight to try out.

Go Sale-ing

Yard sales, library sales, or (if you can find one) homeschooler's used curriculum sales are bound to yield treasures. Although you can't test this software before buying, it's usually so inexpensive that it's worth the risk.

Bookstores and office supply stores often carry educational software, and you can often find an earlier version of a good program at a great markdown.

Try, Try Again

If your three-year-old shows no interest in Jumpstart Preschool, try again in a few months. Or show him something else-an online Clifford book, or Busytown. Even a game, such as checkers or Candy Land, can help your child grow more comfortable interacting with the computer. An eager learner will make much more progress than a reluctant one-and the last thing you want to do is turn your child off just because he isn't ready.

Before You Write that Check

If you find something that looks good, make sure that:

• It's encouraging (it should focus on teaching, not on correcting).
• It's entertaining (nothing turns kids off to educational programs faster than a dull, repetitive regime).
• It will run on your computer.
• It contains different reading levels, so that your child can make progress.
• It automatically adjusts for your child's reading level (most modern programs do this).

Michele Winkler, a Boise-based writer and long-time math and reading tutor,  still knows a few things computer programs don't.

Sidebar

Age-Appropriate Programs

Here's an idea of what will appeal to kids of different ages:

Under Three Years

There's no substitute for one-on-one companionship. Your child needs time with you far more than they need to learn their letters! Look at magazines together, or explore different audio books that will read out loud to your child at the touch of a key. This is also a great way to keep them engaged in reading when you are too busy to sit with them.

Three to Five Years

This is a good time to introduce programs that read a book out loud as the child clicks the mouse. These programs put the child in charge of the level; he can simply click and have the story read aloud, or try to read a little bit by himself. The programs highlight words and phrases, which will help him "de-code" as he starts to read. If he doesn't yet know his alphabet, it's a good time to start singing the song. Interactive preschool programs, such as Jumpstart or Bailey's Book House, can entertain, while teaching basic phonics.

Five and Beyond

At this point, proven literacy programs such as Reader Rabbit or Earobics should engage almost any child who is ready to read. Weekly visits to the library, so that there are always plenty of books around the house, will keep a child sounding words out long after the computer gets turned off. And, before you know it, she'll be reading Hop on Pop to you.