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Resource File: Early Childhood -- Literacy

Tips For Making Computer Storybooks


PRODUCTS: HyperStudio (Roger Wagner), Kid Pix (Broderbund), HyperCard (Claris), KidWorks (Davidson & Associates), StoryBook Weavers (MECC), My Own Stories (MECC), Kids Studio (CyberPuppy Software, Inc.)

Computerized storybooks can be constructed (by even the most novice of computer users) using authoring programs such as HyperStudio (Roger Wagner) or off-the-shelf products such as Kid Pix (Broderbund). It is important to take the time to create these books so that children can have increased opportunities to read books independently.



HyperStudio (Roger Wagner)

This authoring program includes a storybook template. All the teacher has to do is type in the text, import a picture or graphic, and the book is ready to go. Voice can be recorded so that when the child clicks on the text block the text is spoken. Scanning options can be added relatively easily so that even single switch users can read these books.

Card 1 - Where' s Spot?Card 2 - Where' s Spot? That Spot, he hasn't eaten his super. Where can he be?Card 3 - Is he inside the clock?

Kid Pix (Broderbund)

This children's art program comes with a feature known as slide show. By creating a series of pictures and text, then starting the slide show, children can read books by clicking a mouse.



Hypercard (Claris)

Same as Hyperstudio



Kid Works (Davidson & Associates)

This program has writing and drawing features that allow children or teachers to create books. Stories can either be read using text to speech or recorded voice.



Storybook Weavers (MECC) and My Own Stories (MECC)

These programs offer rich settings and lots of characters to help create stories. Again, text can be recorded.



Kid's Studio (CyberPuppy Software, Inc.)

Text and graphics can be combined to create stories.

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This material was developed by the National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP)  in collaboration with the Center for Literacy and Disabilities (CLD)  at Duke University.   NCIP was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs from October 1, 1992 - September 30, 1998, Grant #H180N20013.  Permission is granted to copy and disseminate this information.  If you do so, please cite NCIP.   Contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by CLD, NCIP, EDC, or the U.S. Government.  This site was last updated in September 1998. 

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