Questions about Teaching and Learning

Navigating the Reading Game

Technical Issues

Account Issues

Questions about Teaching and Learning:

How much should I be involved with the actual teaching?

It is very important that you be involved early. The first lessons on a computer can be very scary for a child. In the first session, you need to be very supportive and help the child over the humps can that can ruin their attitude. As the child progresses and becomes more comfortable, you can step back and see how it is going. Step in only when the child is frustrated or is having problems.

See Lesson Plans for more information on this subject with advice on what to do for each lesson.

How do I find out how well my child is progressing?

You can access a report at the end of each session or at the end of a Reading Adventure.

How fast should my child progress?

Children should progress at their own rate. As long as a child has the desire to get on the computer and play the Reading Game, they are doing well. As long as a child has a good feeling about learning, they are doing fine. As long as a child feels proud of learning to read, everything is going well, no matter how many questions they do in a session or how many sessions they do in a week.

How many minutes should each session take?

There is no specific times. As a loose guideline: more than ten minutes, but less than a half an hour.

How many times a week should my child play the Reading Game?

Again, it is dependent on the individual child. Everyday if the child is willing. At least three days a week.

How do I motivate my child to do better?

While every child is unique, most will do better if they have a feeling of pride in their accomplishments. Learning to read is a big accomplishment and is deserving of respect. Playing the game and succeeding should be reward enough for most children.

Children who have a very short attention span, may need more attention, and more "attaboys". If your attention, love, and respect for the child's acheivement are not enough, there may a physical reason such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder, which would require a medical opinion to verify.

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Questions about Navigating the Reading Game:

How do I begin a lesson in a different place than where we left off?

Actually, we don't know the answer to that one yet, but we're working on it. There will be a hyperlink under the Teaching Screen that will take you to a page that will allow you to start wherever you want.

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Questions about Technical Issues:

What is a Flash Plug-In? Why do I need it? And how do I get it?

Flash is the name of the software in which the Reading Game is programmed. Flash is automatically accessed through your browser once it is installed. Without Flash you cannot play the Reading Game. You can download the Flash plug-in at Macromedia's Website.

How do I contact Tech Support?

Use the Contact button above to get in touch with us.

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Questions about My Account:

What do I do if we forget my child's Screen Name?

Click the "Forgot Screen Name" button; you will go to a page which will ask a few questions, and then Ducky will immediately email you the correct Screen Name.

What do I do if I can't get on?

If you have a problem logging on, call 1-800-WHASSUP.

What do I do if I am experiencing Payment-related Problems

Our accounting department can be reached by sending us email or calling 1-800-LEARNTO.

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