Help Your Child Learn To Read

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Help Your Child Learn To Read

Creating A Love of Books and Reading

We know that children learn how to read at different ages and stages, but as parents we can help our children become good readers by supporting their early efforts at reading and making the learning process fun.

Learning to read takes lots of practice, so giving children the opportunity to practice at home, with parents as well as using educational software allows them to explore and enjoy discovering letters and words and get your encouragement along the journey. Following are our recommended software programs for you to use at home.

**TIP-More ideas for giving your child the best start in reading and language coming soon.

Jumpstart Reading Ages 4-7

JumpStart Reading with Karaoke is a phonics-based, learn to read program which also allows kids to sing and record songs as a reward for progressing through exercises and games on Hip-Hop Avenue.
There are 24 songs each with 7-8 exercises and games. Children are challenged to read, listen, speak and repeat new sounds and words. Kids will love listening to the recordings of their own voice as well as the interactivity of the lessons. The program is a good phonics-based tool for those just learning to read but requires knowledge of the alphabet as it jumps fairly quickly into word building.

3D Froggy Phonics Age 4-8

This entertaining reading software introduces the child to each of the letter sounds, through a series of fun games and activities, and finally tests newly acquired skills in an enjoyable manner.
The main menu offers 3 learning options: 'Learn', 'Watch' or 'Play'. Guided by a friendly gang of 3D animal characters, users initially 'Learn' each letter of the alphabet.
The 'Watch' section of the program offers an animated short for vowel sounds which include catchy, rhyming narration which also appears in written form at the bottom of the screen and highlights as it is read so that the user can follow along.

The final, or 'Play' portion includes 5 simple skill-building games, among them a paint activity, a memory game, a mouse skills game, a reading activity and a spelling activity. Users can also test their skills, with an examination and evaluation section.
Games are surprisingly fun and the program introduces letters and letter sounds, provides skill building games and exercises, and then tests newly acquired skills in an entertaining format which keeps kids involved.

Reader Rabbit's Preschool 3-5

This animated program takes the child on a quest to earn the four keys that will unlock and free Wonder Pony, a carousel horse who, with help, becomes real. To earn the keys, the child must master 4 levels of easy to understand and complete, skill-building activities. The 4th level allows the child to take concepts learned in the first 3 levels, and experiment and create with them. Each activity is filled with engaging characters, dancing and child-pleasing music. Wrong answers are dealt with in a non-threatening way, making even the newest child eager to make an attempt at solving the problems posed.

The program consists of four core activities:
-Counting Club in which the child starts on number recognition and counting skills; -Shape Shack, where the child sorts shapes based on like features;
-ABC Diner, where letter and letter-sound recognition results in crazy concoctions; and
-Pattern Parade, which focuses on repetitive pattern conceptualization.
The program introduces important prereading and early math concepts, but also focuses on the importance of investigation, discovery and imagination.
With excellent graphics and upbeat charm, it is a good buy for almost any young child and can be enjoyed by children of a much older age than the suggested range.

Reader Rabbit's Reading 6-9

This program for young school-aged children is built on the model of The Learning Company's well-regarded earlier release for younger children (see above). In this program, the child progresses through 30 storybooks and 15 learning activities with each story being introduced by a narrator who then reads the page and encourages the child to read and record the same passage. A microphone is required, and is well worth the effort. The child can playback their recording which has proven to be the favorite feature of this program.

The text progresses gradually from single sentence pages in the earliest levels, to short, multi-paragraph pages by the end. At the end of each story, the user is prompted to test their reading comprehension, and understanding by answering a "Think Back" question, and a "Use your imagination" question.
These questions ensure that story, as well as being read, was understood for content and storyline. Regarded as a 'must-have' program for the targeted age group! A winner with kids and parents alike!

Sesame Street Elmo's PreSchool Age 2-5

Elmo makes this program all that it is with his childlike language, endearing character, giggles and tickles, which will appeal to kids whether they are Sesame Street fans or otherwise.
The child starts in Elmo's playground, which, in addition to featuring many entertaining 'click and see' interactions, includes five locations to visit and investigate. Each location includes two structured games, as well as numerous 'freeplay' activities.
Locations include
-The Music Room, which focuses on sound and pattern recognition;
-The Letters Room, in which children learn to identify letters and spell simple words;
-The Face Treehouse, where the child identifies facial expressions and emotions;
-The Shapes and Colors Tent, which stresses shape and color identification; and
-The Numbers Clubhouse, which provides fun exercises in number recognition and counting skills.

This program promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as introducing the above prereading skill areas. The program also includes a wonderful "I Can Do It" certificate that can be customized and printed by the proud preschooler.

**Visit- Our top books for babies 0-2, toddlers 2-4, school aged 4-8 - stay tuned for more book reviews coming soon!