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Guidelines for Choosing Software

Walking up a store aisle filled with brightly-colored boxes of children's computer software can be overwhelming for parents. With so many options, how can you be sure to select high-quality software that is easy to use and most likely to foster your child's development? Experts agree that ideal software for young children is easy to use and provides opportunities for interaction, repetition, discovery, and making choices.

Consider the following simple guidelines next time you select software for your child. In addition, consult your local librarian or talk with your child's teacher to get some specific software recommendations. Remember to preview software before your child uses it to ensure that it is appropriate.

What to look for when choosing software:

• Start out with simple "point and click" software that just requires your child to move the cursor on an object and click to make something happen. This kind of software will help your child learn how to move the mouse and will provide a successful first experience.
• Once your child is familiar with the computer, choose software that encourages exploration, imagination, and creativity. Even young children can explore the varied features of drawing and writing programs successfully.
• Look for software that involves the senses by incorporating sound, music, and voice.
• Choose software that helps to bridge the home-school gap. Find out what the children are learning at school and select software that reinforces the same themes or concepts.
• Select software that allows children to repeat activities, review, and reflect on what they already know. Ask them to explain what they are doing and encourage them to share what they know.
• Look for software that contains a variety of activities and levels so that your child can move on to another level or activity when he's ready.

What to avoid when choosing software:

• Avoid "drill and practice" software, or software that focuses on a few skills in a repetitive manner. Likewise, avoid programs that emphasize competition. Children are more likely to learn when they work cooperatively. Instead, choose programs that allow two to play together.
• Avoid software programs or games that depict violence as fun or as a way to solve problems. Instead, choose software that promotes cooperation and positive interpersonal relationships.
• Avoid flashing images or software with many moving graphics. These can interfere with a young child's ability to pay attention to tasks that require sustained attention.