Need recommendations for educational computer games for a 5.5 yo

[quelindo]

My son is not reading yet, but he is sounding out the first letter of words and asking us to spell things for him. He's very smart with math (knows simple fractions and can add and subtract single digits) and loves science (especially space and how things work).

We have a baby now, too, so I can't sit with him and read the way I used to, so for this transitional period I'd like him to have some computer programs to use that will help him learn. I'm wary of things being too babyish or too hard, though. Can anyone recommend some programs for him? He hates to be "taught" anything, so I want it to be fun.

TIA!

[AAK]

Free:

Starfall (www.starfall.com)

If you go to the "learn to read" section and click on one of the books, you will see how you (or your son) can try to sound out the word, then click on the word and the program will sound it out for him.  My kids play around in all sections though and they don't think it is too babyish.  There is also a "more starfall" that you pay for but I haven't used it.

Pay:

Reading Eggs

Headsprout

With both reading eggs and headsprout, the child goes through in a certain order.  They do one lesson at a time and it builds on it.  My oldest is liking headsprout right now.  She kinda thought reading eggs was a bit babyish, but she is 8.  My 5 year old loves reading eggs.  She likes headsprout too, but it moves a bit faster.  My 5 year old can sound out some cvc words and can also spell some cvc words by looking at the sounds.  For her, a combo of reading eggs and starfall are a great pair.  My 8 yr old is dyslexic and I am using headsprout as a way to review things that I think she is finally grasping well.  I am hoping to build fluency a bit before we move on with her.  I think my 5 yr old will pass up the 8 year old within a year or two.  She seems to be following the pattern of my oldest.  

ETA:  they have some free trials available.  Have your son try first.  If he thinks it is babyish/boring/or too much like being "taught" vs having fun with learning, it probably isn't the best fit.

Amy