Why Learn to Read Software?

Some parents may want their kids to get a jump–start on reading before they start school, some kids may need extra help outside of school or some may just be excited about learning to read. Whatever the reason, Learn to Read software will open young minds to the wonders of reading.

When kids are learning to read, it’s important to understand the proper pronunciation of letter sounds to sound out words, which is why a lot of one–on–one reading instruction is so beneficial. However, outside of school, a family’s busy lifestyle may interfere with one–on–one benefits. Learn to Read Software is the best alternative. A good Learn to Read program is designed to attract and hold kids’ interest with animated characters and whimsical worlds.

In this site, you’ll find articles related to Learn to Read Software as well as comprehensive reviews and side–by–side comparisons to help you make an informed decision about which software is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS — We do the research so you don’t have to.™

What to Look for in Learn to Read Software

An effective Learn to Read program should be designed so kids can use it with little supervision. A narrator or reading coach should guide students through lessons with simple and straightforward instructions.

Learn to Read software has an advantage over books; with headphones or the computer’s speakers students can “hear” how letters and words are pronounced. Most headphones sold on the market can be used with a computer. Some programs set their volumes higher than others, so parents should try out the headphones with the program to test the volume. If the program doesn’t have a volume control, adjust the volume on the computer’s control panel from the Start menu.

Some programs require students to speak into microphones to test their pronunciation; these programs should include microphones.

Below are the criteria that TopTenREVIEWS used to rate Learn to Read Software.

• Features – Reading programs should have at least fifteen progressive lessons. Exceptional programs include more than fifty and cover preschool to first grade reading. The programs should also include phonics instruction, interactive lessons, games or activities.

  Lessons should begin with comprehensive coverage of the alphabet with letter sounds and vowel sounds, then simple words and finally sentences.

• Ease of Use – The program should be easy to use by students as young as 3–4 years old. An animated reading coach or narrator should guide students through exercises with straightforward instructions, so students can use the program with little supervision.
• Ease of Installation/Setup – Programs accessed over the Internet should be available from any computer with a high–speed Internet connection. Installing software should only take a few minutes from a CD or direct download from the manufacturer’s website.
• Help/Support – The program’s website should provide a list of FAQs or a searchable knowledge base and telephone or email contact information for answers to general questions about the program and help with technical problems. Some programs that need more explanation should include a tutorial or user guide.