How do I choose software that is right for my child?

According to age and skill level

Mission Adventure Activity

Children's software is categorized by either age or grade. Be sure to check the list of topics covered to see if your child is ahead or behind the curriculum. For example, if your child is four but able to count above ten and recognizes the full alphabet, many of the preschool programs labelled 3-5 will be too easy. You need to choose a more advanced title that offers a range of skill levels that your child can move up through.

Topics and styles
Parents shouldn't base their choices solely on cute, recognizable characters. It may keep their attention for a while but kids will more likely stick with a program that has some depth, with subject matter they're interested in. It's also important that the software's teaching method matches the child's learning style.

For example, a child who loves problem solving and investigation may be better off with mission/adventures See Reader Rabbit right) where they solve a series of problems or puzzles to achieve their goal. Kids with short attention spans need programs that offer a variety of activities (see Elmo right) consisting of bite-size tasks or problems with instant gratification for correct answers. A child who is more musical or artistic will want a program that incorporates creativity with learning.

What works best for preschool kids?

For preschool children, early learning programs such as Winnie the Pooh Preschool or Dr. Seuss Kindergarten are enjoyable ways to introduce basic words and numbers and to learn how computer software works. Pre-schoolers respond best to colourful, friendly characters and to an assortment of games that can be played repeatedly without requiring the ability to read.

At the preschool level, doing the programs with your child is instrumental in helping them foster a positive attitude towards learning and building self confidence. And it's fun!

Is there software that compliments what my child learns in school?

Educational software, used at home, can be a great way to add practice time for what children are learning in the classroom. The development of math and reading skills, for example, will benefit significantly from practice through the use of programs like Madeline 1st & 2nd Grade Classroom Companion, Let's Go Read 1 An Island Adventure or Ariel's Story Studio.

The multi-subject grade programs such as JumpStart Kindergarten, Reader Rabbit 1st and 2nd Grade or the are also good choices if you want your child to have a range of exposure and practice across a grade curriculum.

Knowledge focused programs such as My Amazing Human Body or The Magic School Bus Explores Bugs can be a good way to awaken or encourage an interest in a specific area of knowledge. If they are starting to study, say history or geography in school, My Amazing World Explorer or Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego can enrich their understanding and interest in what they are doing in class.

What if my child is having trouble with some subjects in school?

If you have a child who is having some difficulty or needs additional practice in a specific area, choose one of the learning specific programs, such as Carmen Sandiego Word Detective for language and grammar skills, or Carmen Sandiego Math Detective to provide additional subject exposure and practice. For substantial (i.e. tutorial and practice) math instruction and practice, Understanding Math is an excellent series.

One of the dividends of educational software is that you can sit down with your child, watch him or her use the program and see specifically where they are having difficulty. Kids learn differently; what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Experiment with different programs to find the ones that your child responds best to.

These are some of the basic characteristics of good educational software. It is important to recognize that educational software complements the teaching/learning experience and is not a substitute for teacher and/or parental guidance. As a parent, your interest and involvement with your child in the education experience is going to be critical to your child's interest in learning.

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