An embodiment includes an electronic learning aid apparatus including a base unit. The base unit includes a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet, a sensor positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a code-reading device, a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker, an input device, and a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer. The apparatus further includes at least one printed activity worksheet having a code thereon that is readable by the code-reading device and serves to identify activity worksheets and associated digital speech data and digital control data. The digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user's manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet.