Parents as first teachers

One of the tremendous benefits that an ELA can give both parents and children is the ability to spend time together. Experts agree that as the child's first "teachers," parent participation in early education helps to build a strong foundation. When choosing an ELA, look for accompanying "storyware" or software that allow you to learn and explore with your child. Encourage them to ask questions about what they are learning. Taking an active interest in your child's education will have lasting effects, making learning a positive and fun experience for you both.

Making learning fun

It's important for parents to establish a solid learning foundation with children before they attend school. The more prepared the child is, the better off he or she will be in adjusting to school life. Parents too will feel at ease knowing their child is prepared to face the exciting challenges that every school year offers. When the older kids are off to catch the school bus, the younger ones will feel just as important as they stay home and learn with an ELA of their own.

What parents should consider when purchasing an ELA

ELAs range from expensive PCs to "talking" storybooks; several options are on the market to choose from depending on needs and budget. PCs are generally the most popular vehicle for electronic learning. Parents should keep in mind, however, not only the expense and installation of a PC but also the ease or difficulty for children to operate it by themselves. On the other end, handheld electronic toys such as "Teddy Ruxpin" and "Speak and Spell" are also available. Sega's PICO system, affordably priced at about $139, fits nicely in between the two spectrums-offering PC quality graphics, sound effects and interaction without the fragility or high cost.

Understanding a child's learning strengths and weaknesses.

Each individual has a particular tendency-either they are a visual, auditory or tactile learner. For example, a child with strong visual tendencies would do well with graphics-oriented software with bright colors and pictures; one who learns by touching would benefit from an ELA that encourages hands-on interaction.

Remember, too, that classrooms can become a stressful environment when a child notices he or she is not on par with their fellow peers. Many edutainment products, like PICO, offer diverse "storyware" emphasizing special needs. "Math Antics with 101 Dalmations" teaches counting and number relationships while other titles like "Berenstain Bears: A School Day" focuses more on the alphabet and letter recognition. Children identify with major licensed characters such as these. Their familiarity and the comfort of home brings an ease to solving learning impairments before they become hidden problems.

One final note, when purchasing "storyware" or software, test it out and determine if the program piques an interest and conjures creativity or curiosity. This will help you determine if it's challenging and fun. Learning should be fun not boring. A small investment today will pay dividends for life.(NAPSI)