Learning to Read with Computers

Computers can’t replace the reading and writing activities discussed earlier in this booklet. But computers can support what these activities teach your child.

Many computer programs (also called software) offer activities that can both grab your child’s interest and teach good lessons. Children as young as 3 years old, though they can’t read yet, may still have fun using some of the colorful, action—filled programs with enjoyable characters. (For computer program ideas, see Resources for Children.) Computer reading programs let your child:

Hear stories, read along and read by herself.

Play with objects and characters on the screen that teach the alphabet, simple words, rhyming words and other skills important to learning to read.

Command the computer with her voice, record herself reading and play back the recording so that she can hear herself.

Write simple sentences and make up stories.

Add pictures and characters to her stories and have them read back.

Make and print her own books.

Make slide shows.

Gain praise and see improvement in her language abilities.

By Barbara J. Feldman

Barbara J. Feldman is a syndicated columnist and the publisher of Surf Net Parents, Surfnetkids.com and 51+ other family-friendly sites. She has been creating websites since 1996, and loves teaching others how to solve WordPress problems.