My children have been eager to use the computer from a very early age. Because of their interest, I was so excited to be introduced to an educational computer based reading program geared for younger children called Rusty and Rosy Reading. It allowed my children to do something they thought was special, use the coveted computer, and learn at the same time. We have been lucky to have the opportunity to use the Rusty and Rosy Reading program in our home over the last year. For the first half of the year, I had my kindergarten aged son using it for extra reinforcement of beginning reading concepts. Once my daughter got to be preschool age and since she practically shadowed her brother whenever he was using the program, I decided it would be a good addition to our “Mommy Preschool” time.
The Rusty and Rosy Reading program adapted to my children’s different learning levels. It was able to assess what level my child was at in reading and start them there. For instance, my son already knew most of his letters when he started, so Rusty and Rosy Reading did a quick review of the letters for him and started into beginning reading and sentence structure. Then when I had my daughter start the program, I had it reassess her reading level and the program started out teaching her all her letters.
“Unlike other kids’ reading programs, Rusty and Rosy Reading is comprehensive. It begins with the alphabet and teaches everything your child needs to become a fluent reader. With over 4,000 activities and three full years of reading instruction, this complete reading program contains enough content to keep your child learning from preschool through second grade, right from your home.”
Rusty and Rosy Reading used music, stories, and games to teach as well as repetition, where they repeat the same lesson or learning concept two or three times. Each time it repeats it is with less instruction and my child gets through them faster. My son was more into the games, of course, and so he often got frustrated by the repetition, but he still did it. My daughter on the other hand l.o.v.e.s. the repetition and I often hear her singing along or repeating out loud everything the program is saying.
I also really like that the Rusty and Rosy Reading program is easy enough to use that both my children can do it on their own. My children sit at the kitchen table with the computer and can navigate everything on their own while I am nearby getting my stuff done. I love to hear what they are learning and be near in case they need me, which is rare. Both children love the music and I will often hear my daughter singing the songs she heard on the program throughout the day, which I also love!
Overall, I love our experience we have had with Rusty and Rosy Reading. My children are learning skills that I have hard time teaching on my own and think they are “playing”. I love that the software can cover all the way up to 2nd grade because I can especially use it during the summers to help my son retain and practice what he has learned the year before. It seems like the schools are expecting children to read earlier than when I was in school. It is nice to be able to help give my children an extra boost by having them “play” Rusty and Rosy Reading and it is even better that is is something they are excited about!
