I’m one of those parents that believe that there’s too much visual stimulation for our next generation. The choices we are hit with on television, computers, and video platforms are mind boggling. I thought to myself, the longer those things stay out, the better (or at least simpler) life will be. Because, being a sole playmate when there are no friends around with a 5-year-old does have its challenges. For my daughter, who is now in college, we had timers for “TV time”. My kindergartener has his limitations for “visual stimulation” too. It’s an hour during the week, and two hours on weekends.
I get the gamut from other parents from “wow, that’s great…I wish I can do that”, to “gosh, if your child doesn’t enter the world equipped with the latest techno-knowledge, you’re putting them at a disadvantage”. Had to think about that one…putting him at a disadvantage? What parent wants to do that?
My soul searching did not last long. My little guy’s teacher, Mr. Teacher (name withheld) set me aside one day to tell me that “Little Guy” was having issues learning how to read. The school is going through phonics reading materials and I really couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth next. “Perhaps you can look into online reading programs to supplement what we are doing at school?” Did he say online? I said, “Did you say online”? “Yes, there are different learn to read, learn to spell, learn to do anything online content that are really valuable”.
I caught a fly or two in my mouth on my drive home since my mouth was still open from the “input”; but wanting to give Little Guy any advantage, I got home and hesitantly put in “learn how to read” in my search engine on my computer. A site quickly caught my eye. It said that it was the world’s most advanced phonics and spelling programs; hmm, but they can say anything, can’t they? But, Little Guy IS advanced. Then I read about their money back guarantee. They have a program that’s only $9.95 a month. It fit my budget.
I tried a few of the trial lessons, and really, really enjoyed them. The phonics lessons made sense; it was led by an online cartoon tutor and even went through the process of using the mouse and keyboard. Little Guy isn’t so sheltered that he doesn’t know how to use the computer, but let’s just say it wasn’t a habitual experience. An added bonus is that it’s “green”. No wasted packaging, directions fraught with ads, and there was nothing to download. The whole thing was kept online. Even his progress was easy to monitor, the program came with an online progress report and we could go back and repeat any lessons if necessary.
With the phonics method, Little Guy is learning to read by himself, and loving the extra computer time. I, too, am happy because I feel that I’ve found some sort of technological balance with my child, I’m putting him to an advantage, and I’ve taken advantage of their referral program. As we’re coming into our 10th month, I’ve almost recouped the cost of the program with my referrals! I don’t know the statistics of whether this is the world’s most advanced phonics and spelling program, but I can say, it’s the most beloved program for our family and to the friends to whom we have recommended it.
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