This book is the first volume in the "Kids and Computers" series, a series of books designed to help adults easily use high-quality, developmentally appropriate software with children. After reviewing the basics of selected software packages (how to start the program, stop the program, move around, and use special keys) several ideas and suggestions are presented based on the principle that children learn by exploration and discovery. The book includes: ideas for playing games, simple questions that help children associate a computer-based activity with the real world, and fun things to do away from the computer that help develop further concepts learned about on the computer. The areas of learning that are covered by the software include: alphabet and letters, animals, colors, community helpers, counting and numbers, creativity, letter/word association, memory and concentration, music, patterns and early math skills, pre-reading, problem solving, science and nature, seasons, shapes and storytelling. Each software package typically contains four-to-five individual activities. The description of each activity includes: concepts to reinforce, tips for reinforcing the concepts, talking about the activity, and ideas for expanding the concepts. The following companies' trademarked products are referred to in this book: Broderbund Software ("The Playground,""The Backyard,""Just Gramdma & Me"); Walt Disney Computer Software ("Mickey's ABC's,""Mickey's 123's,""Mickey's Colors & Shapes"); Computer Curriculum Corporation (Richard Scarry's "Busytown"); Edmark ("Thinkin' Things,""Millie's Math House," Bailey's Book House"); Humongous Entertainment ("Putt-Putt Joins the Parade,""Fatty Bear's Birthday Surprise"); Lawrence Productions ("Katie's Farm,""McGee,""McGee At the Fun Fair"); The Learning Company ("Reader Rabbit I,""Math Rabbit", MetroGnomes' Music"). The availability of these products is not cited nor are there any guidelines for computer operational capacity required for these products.) (AA)