When the folks at Hooked on Phonics asked me to evaluate their new Get Ready to Read package ($249.99), I immediately knew that this was an assignment for Terror Tot --- the imp-like toddler who turns up his nose at anything that doesn't involve jumping, running or pure mayhem.

And he liked it! He really, really liked it!

Truthfully, I shouldn't be surprised. Hooked on Phonics programs have been around since 1987, creating ways to make learning fun. A subsidiary of Educate Inc., the company has developed step-by-step reading, math and studies skills programs that are being used in thousands of schools and by more than two million families.

Hooked on Phonics Get Ready to Read Program

The Get Ready to Read program is designed for preschoolers (ages 3 to 5), combining a vast array of tools to prepare all of our terror tots for a lifetime of reading. It is designed using a three-level process, which involves learning letter sounds and letter recognition, so they can associate each letter with each sound.

Included in the package are:

• 52 letter blocks.
• Three workbooks.
• Two CD-ROMs filled with original music and activities.
• A Hooked on Phonics game mat.
• Two Video Jukebox DVDs.
• Two sets of letter flashcards.
• 100 picture cards.
• My Hooked on Phonics Dictionary with chalkboard pages for letter writing practice.
• Bingo cards and chips.
• An alphabet poster.
• Progress posters and stickers.
• Parents' guides.

You can also purchase the two components that make up most of the package --- Get Ready to Read Letter Names ($64.99) and Get Ready to Read Letter Sounds ($64.99).

Check out the company's website at www.hop.com for more details.

While we're in the family mood, let us not forget new moms and those expecting their first (or second or third) offspring. Two programs aimed at these unsuspecting women include Nanny Notes ($9.95) from Ruff Concepts Inc. and Growing Tales ($34.95) from Down South Software.

Nanny Notes

Nanny Notes allows you to store essential information for babysitters and caretakers on your PC, including dietary information, doctors' phone numbers and important emergency information. It even includes critical information, such as giving doctors and hospitals permission to treat your child in case of illness or an accident.

Just print out all the details and hand them over to the sitter ... no hassle, no fuss and you won't forget to include anything important.

Also it can handle daily schedules, help plan meals and log messages and important calls. There's even separate space for the caregiver to tell you what happened during the day.

Check out www.nanny-notes.com for additional information.

Growing Tales

Growing Tales is more of an electronic baby book, becoming a repository for memories and important records.

Entries can be printed out for scrapbooks, you can store photos, scanned images and other documents and keep a daily record of your baby's progress from inception to baby shower to birth and beyond. You can even set up a slide show using the program's digital photo album.

To see ways parents are using the program, check out the company's Web site at www.growingtales.com.

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