Software Selection

We don’t want to alarm you with the statistic that 90% of the software marketed for young children is not only inappropriate but detrimental. I walked through the isles of a discount store this week and noted that only two titles were included in the latest NAEYC recommended list.

With this in mind I thought I would share some of the criteria the experts use to determine the appropriateness of children’s software:

Age Appropriateness: Are the concepts realistic? Is the goal of the activity clicking on the right answer to solving a problem with multiple solutions? 
Child in Control: Are the actors not merely reactors? Can they leave the activity at any time? Can they set their own pace? Are they free to explore through trial and error to solve the puzzle?
Clear Instructions: Are there pictures with the choices? Are the directions simple, and precise? Are the instructions given verbally?
Expanding Complexity: Do the activities have a low entry and high ceiling to allow for the progression of skills and continued interest? Is the learning sequence clear? Does the software teach powerful ideas?
Independence: Adult supervision should not be needed after an initial exposure.
Process Orientation. Are the children engaged in discovery learning as opposed to rote skill and drill? Does it illicit motivation? Is it the process that engages the child and the secondary product? 
Real World Model: Are the representations concrete? Do the objects perform their real functions? Is it a simple, reliable model?
Technical Features: Does it install easily? Does it operate consistently? Does it print when appropriate? Are the sound effects or music realistic and corresponding? Does it run quickly? Does it save appropriate children’s work? Are the graphics realistic and uncluttered?

NAEYC RECOMMENDED SOFTWARE
Here is a list of software rated 7.5 (out of 10) or higher for children ages 3-5. If you are interested in looking at the book with the full list stop by Miss Genan’s office.

Software:
- Baily’s Book House
- Blocks in Motion (Don Johnson, Inc.)
- Disney Ready to Read with Pooh
- Disney’s Ready for Math with Pooh (Disney Interactive)
- Freddi Fish The Case of the Stolen Conch Shell (Humongous Entertainment)
- Freddie Fish and the Great Conch Shell
- I’m Ready for Kindergarten: Huggly’s Sleepover (Scholastic)
- I Spy (5 to 9 years)
- Kid Phonics
- Kid Pix Studio Deluxe (Broderbund Software)
- Kids Works Deluxe
- Let’s Explore the Airport with Buzzy (Humongous Entertainment)
- Mighty Math Carnival Countdown (Edmark Corporation)
- Millie’s Math House
- Mixed-Up Mother Goose Deluxe
- Nick Junior
- Orly’s Draw-A-Story (Broderbund)
- Putt, Putt Saves the Zoo
- Sammy’s Science House
- Science Blaster, Jr.
- Sesame Street: Elmo’s Preschool Deluxe (Creative Wonders)
- Stanley’s Sticker Stories
- Thinkin’ Things
- Zoo Zillions (Edmark)

Electronic Books:
- Arthur Adventure Library (Living Books, Broderbund/Random House)
- Disney’s Animated Storybook (Living Books)
- Dr. Seuss Collection (Living Books/Broderbund)
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Houghton Mifflin Interactive)
- 101 Dalmations (Living Books)
- Stellaluna (Living Books)