EXPERT ADVICE

Barbara L. McMullin works at the Casita Center for Technology, Science and Math in the Vista Unified School District. She is a writer, lecturer and education consultant.

Today’s parents are confronted with a barrage of educational software that is designed to assist their children’s reading instruction. It can be a daunting task sorting through the many titles.

As the library technician at the Casita Center for Technology, Science and Math, I too have to make software choices. Whether I’m making choices as a parent or a professional, I use the same guidelines: I search for programs produced by reliable name brand companies that reinforce or supplement what the children are doing in the classroom. A “game” atmosphere is useless as an educational support tool.

Programs that specify age and grade level are frequently more useful than those that are for a broad age group. Teachers and librarians can be a good source for software and book recommendations.

Software programs such as Broderbund’s Living Books series are truly outstanding programs for early readers. Titles include “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Sheila Rae the Brave” and “Arthur’s Birthday.” Many selections parallel story titles that are commonly read in elementary schools.

Children who cannot yet read, or who are just learning, love to have books read to them. Living Books reads to children, highlighting the story’s words as it goes along. The child can point and click on any word and they will see and hear the word. Studies say that a child must see and hear a word 200 times before it becomes lodged as a sight word. This facet of Living Books aids in making it a valuable software choice. The program reinforces tracking, beginning comprehension, and letter and phonemic awareness.

Computers are being introduced earlier in education, with even some preschool programs emphasizing technology. Microsoft’s My Personal Tutor is one software choice for the youngest readers. It offers selections such as Reading Railway, which includes beginning sounds and sounding out words. If the child makes errors, the little professor walks the child through the section.

Knowledge Adventure publishes JumpStart Learning and the Reading Blaster series that include specialized titles for reading and spelling. JumpStart Preschool introduces letters, numbers, shapes and colors. JumpStart Kindergarten integrates basic skills within an ongoing story line. JumpStart First Grade covers the eight steps of a learn-to-read program. There are a number of titles for reading and spelling that span the elementary grade.

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BOOK EVENTS

* Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Calabasas: Calabasas Public Library, 23645 Calabasas Road, offers Pumpkin Patch Storytime for toddlers ages 1 and 2, at 9:30 a.m.; and for preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (818) 878-9585. Free.

* Wednesday, Calabasas: Calabasas Public Library, 23645 Calabasas Road, offers a free After-School Storytime for youngsters ages 6 to 11, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. (818) 878-9585.

* Wednesday, Glendale: Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St., offers Snacktime Readers for children in grades four through eight and their parents. The group meets once a month for good books, conversation and snacks. The meeting is at 7 p.m., and the featured book is “Prairie Songs,” by Pam Conrad, available in the children’s room of the library. (818) 548-2030. Free.