From the mailbag:
"Dear Mama Bear,
I really want my 4 year old to start reading. How can I help with that? What softwares are available?
Anonymous"
Dear A,
While I applaud you wanting to teaching your child how to read, 4 might be a wee bit too early.
Might not, mind you, but don't expect it to happen quickly.
First, here's some resources:
Regarding reading software, here's what's popular at Amazon.com today:
#1: Reader Rabbit I Can Read With Phonics 1st and 2nd Grade
Reader Rabbit I Can Read With Phonics 1st and 2nd Grade
by The Learning Company
Platform: Windows XP / Me, Mac OS 9 and below
(24)
Buy new: $19.99 $6.65
12 used & new from $2.71
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#2: Reader Rabbit Reading Ages 4-6
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Reader Rabbit Reading Ages 4-6
by Riverdeep
Platform: Windows XP, Mac OS 9 and below
(29)
Buy new: $9.99 $6.92
19 used & new from $2.99
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#3: Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby and Toddler
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby and Toddler
by The Learning Company
Platform: Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP, Mac OS 9 and below
(47)
Buy new: $19.99 $6.09
17 used & new from $3.99
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#4: Reader Rabbit Learn to Read With Phonics
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Reader Rabbit Learn to Read With Phonics
by The Learning Company
Platform:
Windows, Mac
(45)
Buy new: $19.99 $7.45
14 used & new from $2.93
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#5: Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures
by The Learning Company
Platform:
Windows, Mac
(6)
Buy new: $19.99 $5.95
22 used & new from $1.89
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#6: Reader Rabbit Personalized 1st Grade Deluxe
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Reader Rabbit Personalized 1st Grade Deluxe
by Learning Company
Platform:
Windows, Mac
(7)
Buy new: $29.95 $8.66
27 used & new from $2.49
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#7: Disney's Adventures in Typing with Timon & Pumbaa
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Disney's Adventures in Typing with Timon & Pumbaa
by Disney Interactive
Platform: Windows 95 / 98
(31)
Buy new: $29.99
18 used & new from $1.69
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#8: JumpStart Kindergarten
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
JumpStart Kindergarten
by Knowledge Adventure
Platform:
Windows 98 / XP / Vista / 2000, Mac, Mac OS X
(10)
Buy new: $19.99 $9.99
23 used & new from $1.45
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#9: Grammar Made Easy
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
Grammar Made Easy
by Global Software Publishing
Platform:
Windows Vista / 98 / 2000 / Me / XP, Mac OS X Intel, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and below
(3)
Buy new: $19.99 $6.98
19 used & new from $4.00
(Visit the Bestsellers in Reading & Language list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
#10: DR SEUSS GREEN EGGS AND HAM
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:06 AM
DR SEUSS GREEN EGGS AND HAM
by THE LEARNING COMPANY
Platform:
Windows, Mac
(7)
Buy new: $19.95 $6.78
27 used & new from $0.25
So, as you can see….there's lots of great reading software choices out there for you.
Thus speaks…MamaBear
ps – you can also get great reading goodies from eBay too!