Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Learn to Read Software.

Ratings

Features Set

The features that Learn to Read software includes to teach students how to read are progressive lessons, comprehensive instruction of the alphabet, introduction of simple words and then introduction of simple sentences. Miscellaneous features include student progress reports and keyboard instruction. Some programs include extras like workbooks, coloring books, reading books and flash cards.

Ease of Use

The program should be easy to use by students as young as 4 years old. An animated reading coach or narrator should guide students through exercises with straightforward instructions that include how to answer questions with a mouse or keyboard.

Ease of Installation/Setup

Programs accessed over the Internet should be available from any computer with a high–speed Internet connection and should require a username and password. Installing software should only take a few minutes from a CD or direct download from the manufacturer’s website.

Help/Support

The manufacturer's website should provide answers to questions about using the program and technical problems with a FAQs page or searchable knowledge base. If you still have questions, you should be able to contact them directly through a telephone number or email address.

Type of Program

Software

Program that is installed on a computer's hard drive from a CD or downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

Online

Does not require software. Students access the program from the manufacturer's website through a secure server.

Features

Animated Characters

The program incorporates animated characters into reading lessons.

Instructor/Guide

The program uses an animated instructor or narrator to guide students through lessons.

Storytelling/Adventure

The program's lessons involve telling a story or the characters participate in an adventure.

Grade Level

Preschool to Kindergarten

Children ages three to five.

Preschool to 1st grade

Children ages three to six.

Kindergarten to 3rd grade

Children ages five to nine.

Lessons

50 +

The program has more than fifty lessons.

Interactive

Students interact with the program by clicking with a mouse or typing on the computer keyboard.

Phonics

A system of learning letter sounds and sounding out words.

Progressive

Lessons that successively builds on previous lessons.

Learn Games/Activities

Interactive games or activities that make learning to read fun.

ABCs

Alphabet

The 26 letters in the English language.

Letter Sounds

The sounds of individual letters or combinations of letters.

Associate Letters with Words

Students learn how individual letters come together to form words.

Vowels

a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y.

Consonants

All the letters of the alphabet except for vowels.

Words

Prefixes

Two or more letters attached to the beginning of a word, which changes the meaning.

Suffixes

One or more letters attached to the end of a word, which changes the meaning.

Spelling

Arranging individual letters to form words.

Sound out Words

Using phonics to sound out each letter in a word.

Associate Words with Pictures

Students learn that everything around them is associated with a word.

Sentences

Read

Students learn to read sentences.

Interpretation

Students learn how to decipher the meaning of sentences.

Compose

Students are given a series of words and asked to make their own sentences.

Read Aloud

Students are prompted to read sentences aloud or speak into the program's microphone.

Misc. Features

Progress Reports

Some programs produce progress reports for individual students.

Keyboard Instruction

Programs that require typed answers will instruct students how to use the computer's keyboard.

Extras

Workbooks

Activities and lessons that students can use away from the computer.

Flashcards

A card printed with letters or words and flashed as part of learning drills.

Coloring Books

The program includes coloring books associated with the program's lessons.

Reading Books

The program includes books of stories at a beginner reader level.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

A telephone number to contact the program’s customer service or technical support department.

eMail Support

An email address to contact the program's customer service or technical support department.

Online Help

FAQs, tutorials or a searchable knowledge base about a product from the manufacturer’s website.

Tutorials

A booklet or embedded file that instructs students how to progress through their lessons.

User Manual / User Guide

A booklet or embedded file that explains how to use the software.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

Money Back Guarantee

Manufacturers that offer dissatisfied customers their money back within a certain amount of time; usually 30–60 days.

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