Do you have a personal computer ? If so, you can put your computer to use to help your child learn how to read. For your preschooler that is just beginning to read, you can use computer software to enhance his or her reading success. You can purchase “Phonics Excelerator” for ages 4 - 8 years old at your local computer store such as COMPUSA. It is Windows and Mac compatible and it sales for $10 at COMPUSA on the computer discount isle. You get 2 CDs 1 for vowels and the other for consonant sounds and it includes blends and interactive stories and games that your child will enjoy. If you can not find this specific software look for another phonics based that allow them to hear the vowel and consonant sounds and learn the phonic rules for reading.

I would recommend starting with 15 minutes for 3 days a week. Begin with Disc 1 vowel sounds for the first 2 weeks and then gradually introduce Disc 2 consonant sounds. Follow you child’s lead on this one, so repeat the sections that he or she wants or likes the most. Allow your child to have some control.

The goal is to get him or her to remember a few sounds and words at a time not too much at once… repetition is good for learning and recall. Also continue to read the early reader books with your child since the more he or she sees the sounds and words the more they are learning. You can purchase early reader books like “Road to Reading” level 1 by Golden Books at your local book stores like Borders and Barnes and Nobles. Or you can probably find early reader books or picture books at the library as well.

Computer enhanced learning can strengthen and build upon your child’s
reading skills.

My children have achieved reading success using phonics based computer assisted software for years, they both now LOVE to read. After 3 - 4 weeks of consistency you should see some real results and your child will feel Great about his or her achievement !