Learning to Read with Preschool Software

I have a 6 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. My son used the computer extensively during his preschool years and we are now seeing the benefits. His first mid-term progress report in first grade just came back and he scored a 98.6% in reading! We are so proud!

We attribute much of his success to his being interested in computers at an early age. We introduced him to some early reading software at about two years he took to it immediately. He learned his alphabet much earlier than any of his peers and was reading and recognizing shapes and colors well before his age would indicate.

Now that I have a two year old daughter, my wife and I will be improving on the techqniques we used with our son. She has already taken to the computer and our son has taken it on himself to show her how to use the mouse and keyboard!

We have heard several parents claim that they will not let their kids use a computer because they think it is bad for them and they don't want them to turn into mindless drones in front of the computer. Hogwash! If a parent makes good decisions on what their child has access to and spends time with him/her on the PC, the child is better for it. (By the way, one of the parents who was completely against having her son use the computer just received a 72% on her son's progress report!)

What really amazes me is that some parents will not allow their children to play on a computer, but will let them sit in front of the Disney Channel and Cartoon Network all afternoon long! At least with the computer, there is interactivity and learning involved.

I would love to hear of any of your success stories or tips and tricks to help children learn with preschool software.