Cheap Reader Rabbit's Complete Learn to Read System (Software) (Macintosh, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows Me) Price

The letter-and-alphabet learning section are certainly very simple, but the cuteness of Reader Rabbit helps make it interesting for even those who've already got their alphabet down pat. The accompanying workbook is a great tool to use for writing practice, and there are lots of fun games you can make up with the alphabet flash cards.

The next section covers those all-important phonics, offering listening exercises and matching games. Building on phonics, the section on sight words--simple, short, common words--uses "sounding out" techniques, along with word flash cards. At the conclusion, kids should be able to read 100 words easily, with tools to sound out any word that comes their way.

All the materials provided with this set work well independently, as well as in a comprehensive training package. The parent's guide is a terrific source for tips and straightforward instructions--keep it handy for frequent reference. The workbook, stories, flash cards, and poster can all be used with separate activities, or they can be combined with other books or games to reinforce particular skills.

Often, when it becomes reading time for kids, parents end up buying all these components separately--with this one box, you'll have it all. --Jill Lightner