Great Tips for Choosing Reading Software

1. Be realistic. Computers alone won't transform your child into a successful reader. There's still nothing better than lots of real books - plus family encouragement and example - to inspire a love of reading.
   
   
2. Vary your purchases - different types of software encourage and reinforce different literacy skills. Beside phonics programs, consider interactive stories and story-writing software.
   
   
3. Select interactive stories the way you choose books: Let the appeal of the story and the artwork be your guide.
   
   
4. Be choosy. Not all interactive stories are worthwhile. Some don't add anything special enough to justify their hefty price. Others are so TV-like that children become passive viewers, not involved readers.
   
   
5. Find out how (and when) your child's school teaches word skills. Talk with the teacher about your child's learning style and capabilities.
   
   
6. If your child gets a steady diet of worksheets in school, focus on interactive books or titles that inspire her to read or write without worrying about accuracy. Try basic skills software if your child is getting phonics in dribs and drabs.
   
   
7. Don't underestimate geography, history, or mystery software for reading practice. When kids get involved, they really push themselves to master skills - like reading - that will help them play better.
   
   
8. As your child becomes a more accomplished reader, look for software that gives you the option of "turning off" the read-aloud feature so she can practice reading on her own.