A: Dear Cheryl, Fun programs are a less abundant for 6th graders as they are already past the Dora/Blue’s Clues days. However, I have picked out several programs for him that target grammar. Speedstudy English Grammar and Grammar High Achiever Learning Series hit on exactly the skills that he needs to brush up on. If you are looking for something a little more “game” based, then try Zoog Genius: Language Arts, History & Geography. Although it covers more subject areas, he is sure to play this game more readily. For an all around 6th Grade title, I suggest Jumpstart 6th Grade. It’s proven to be a best seller in schools, covers many all subject areas (including grammar) and is a best seller in schools. Hope this helps!

Q: I have a precocious 4 year old. His favorite computer game is from Cars where he has to figure out how to get Lightening McQueen out of the drive in movie theater by moving cars around.  Any suggestions for other appropriate games?  We have a Macintosh.Hi, Mark.  That’s easy - we have tons of great software for 4 year olds. The difficult part is narrowing it down to a few that fit your child. If your son is having a great time moving things around then he’s probably ready for some “sorting and ordering” activities. The key to starting on children’s educational software is finding something that they like. At this age they are sure to pick up many skills from any of the games. The following titles I am suggesting to you for 3 reasons…they teach matching/memory and thinking skills, are Macintosh compatible, and are suitable for 4 year olds.    - Mark

A: Hi, Mark.  That’s easy - we have tons of great software for 4 year olds. The difficult part is narrowing it down to a few that fit your child. If your son is having a great time moving things around then he’s probably ready for some “sorting and ordering” activities. The key to starting on children’s educational software is finding something that they like. At this age they are sure to pick up many skills from any of the games. The following titles I am suggesting to you for 3 reasons…they teach matching/memory and thinking skills, are Macintosh compatible, and are suitable for 4 year olds.

Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Sky Heroes the the Rescue
Caillou Thinking Skills
Thomas & Friends
Dally Dinosaur Teaches Numbers

If I were you I would sit him down with you in front of the computer and let him pick out what he wants. We have offer many characters that he’s probably already familiar with and that will be the best place to start. You might “try out” the software with him the first few times so that he doesn’t get frustrated if he hits an obstacle. Chances are, he’ll take to it and be showing you how to play in a week.

Q: I have a 6 and a half yr old who has only just encountered computers at school and hates them! To spark her interest I want a cd-rom which needs (initially at least) the most basic computer skills but the content more suited to an imaginative, creative 10 year old (where her reading skills are at). Here's the next drawback -we only have Macintosh computer at home! Someone suggested a great sounding game based on Alice in Wonderland - totally the right ball-park, but it's not compatible with Mac apparently. Any ideas? I'd be very grateful for your help.   - Jane

A: Oh no, if she hates her first encounter with a computer – we need to change that! In today’s fast-paced internet world, it’s nearly impossible to compete in the workplace without dynamite computer skills. Carrying the big chief tablet and #2 pencil to a meeting in the year 2023 could be to her detriment. Let’s get this child into computers by introducing some exciting games. Depending on her interests, you might try starting with a Carmen Sandiego title. We carry several that deal with math, words, geography and more. These software programs are full of mystery and will be tempting. Another good choice for children 8-11 is Cluefinder’s Incredible Toy Store Adventure. You are trapped inside a toy store and must rely on your academic skills to get out. Look for games with mystery or problem solving and creativity for your daughter such as Madeline, Crayola Make a Masterpiece or Putt Putt Joins the Circus. Be careful not to go too advanced, we don’t want her to fail. If she learns how the computer can benefit her, then she’ll be more likely to enjoy it. And with the brains that she has, she’ll probably end up being a computer engineer. ;- )

Q: My daughter is 18 years old, and has ADHD.  She is at a 4th-5th grade writing level, and a 3rd-4th grade math level.  Her reading is good….probably at 10th grade level.  Could you please recommend a software program for writing & math?   - Linda

A: Good news - reading is the most difficult skill to obtain at a later age and it seems one she has already mastered.  Focusing on the writing and grammar aspects will take some practice, so I've picked out a few titles for her: Composition High Achiever Learning Series, Jumpstart 4th Grade, Garfield's It's All About Writing & Grammar

You know your child best...encourage her to practice, practice, practice.  Learning can be a slow process, but it's worth the wait.  In no time she will impress you!

As for the math, there are so many out there that are great for drilling in those math skills.  Since I don't know which particular areas she needs assistance, here are a few of our math best sellers for her situation.   They each cover basic mathematics as taught in schools.  Millie's Math Learning System (2cd set plus DVD), Carmen Sandiego Math Detective, Zoog Genius Math, Science & Technology, and Math Missions: The Amazing Arcade Adventure.

Be careful when presenting these titles to your child.  Since they are for a younger age group she may be hesitant or even embarrassed.  Depending on her emotional maturity, you might have to think of a clever way to introduce them to her.  Like, "I KNOW these are way too young for you, but they will be good practice and you can work through them without frustration."  Also, I recommend using a reward system for children with ADHD.  Set up a graph to chart her progress daily, or even a point system where she can earn a mark for every 30 minutes spent working on the computer.  Then, when she gets 30 marks, reward her with a trip to the mall for pedicure or a new purse.