So your child is getting ready to make one of the big steps in life - starting school. Pretty neat - but you'd like to try to ease the transition from the freedom of play, to the regimen of school, and you've heard about some popular software...
Computer programs for kids who can't even tie their own shoes, let alone read?
Click on the titles to see SuperKids' complete reviews. If your children are a little younger, check out our reviews of multisubject software for babys or toddlers; if they're a bit older, see our reviews of software for kindergarten.
Reader Rabbit's Preschool [for ages 3 to 5] from The Learning Company is an updated version of Let's Start Learning. Provides valuable activities for letter and sound recognition, and shapes and patterns. An excellent early learning tool for pre-schoolers.
Fisher-Price Ready for PreSchool [for ages 2 to 4] from Knowledge Adventure, provides a fun way for the young child to acquire beginning computer, early pre-reading, and pre-math skills through engaging activities. Young users also will learn to follow directions, and complete assigned tasks.
JumpStart Preschool [for ages 2 to 4] from Knowledge Adventure provides 10 skill-based activities, each with three levels of difficulty. Enchanting environment for young users draws them back.
Sesame Street Elmo's PreSchool [for ages 2 to 5] from Creative Wonders, is best for the very young computer user who is content with simple, straightforward pre-reading and pre-math activities.
Play Along with Wimzie [for ages 3 to 6] from Simon & Schuster Interactive, stresses social, problem solving and logical thinking skills, rather than the 3 R's.
Disney's Mickey Mouse Preschool [for ages 2 to 4] from Disney Interactive, offers simple preschool learning fundamentals in a non-threatening environment that's especially appealing to young boys.
MyWork [for ages 3 to 6] from CD Garden, introduces young children to the computer and the world of discovery it can provide. Unusual art and design activities are especially intriguing and attractive to kids much older than the listed age range.
Disney's Winnie the Pooh Preschool [for ages 2 to 4] from Disney Interactive offers solid, if not terribly innovative learning activities and features a familiar and lovable cast.
Maisy's Playhouse [for ages 3 to 6] from Simon & Schuster Interactive focuses on targets the preschooler’s developmental skills, including: following directions, object discrimination, identifying similar and dissimilar objects, colors, counting, and categorizing as well as mouse use. Slow pace requires good attention span.
My First CD-ROM, Preschool [for ages 3 to 5] from DK Interactive, features six simple activities that introduce basic school skills to young learners. Not recommended for children who are easily distracted.
Dr. Seuss Preschool [for ages 2 to 4] from Broderbund is a solid choice for kids who love Dr. Seuss characters.
Bear's Imagine That! [for ages 3 to 6] from Knowledge Adventure features Jim Henson muppet characters, and encourages kids to challenge their imagination as they venture throughout the Big Blue House.
Buddy Brush and the Painted Circus [for ages 2 to 6] from Ideas That Play, is a very simple creativity program, which makes no attempt at teaching or drilling traditional classroom skills. The program encourages kids to experiment with color, patterns, matching sets, logic and music in a circus setting.