Software should be packaged with a manual that is clear, precise, attractive, durable and which illustrates sample screens. Recreational and game programs, which require no more than hand-eye coordination are also beyond the scope of this committee. This eliminates from consideration microcomputer versions of Nintendo or Pacman clones and emphasizes the need for programs with some mental stimulation. There is a great variety in the subjects appropriate for software for children. Language arts programs can emphasize letters, words, and sentences or creative writing.
Interactive fiction seems particularly suited to the microcomputer.
Other successful programs are based on mathematics, science and technology, history, geography, music or art and drawing. Independent of the subject matter, software can emphasize logic and conceptual skills, such as reasoning, sorting or problem solving. Other programs allow users to create or manipulate databases or use the item pool to construct and print a product. Programming or keyboard skills are taught by some software. The committee recognizes the following characteristics of children at different ages.