reading tech

Check out lexialearning — I haven’t scoped out their most basic levels but I think it might fill that bill.

Do recognize that a computer is of very finite value for teaching; it can’t exactly hear whether a student can read something.

You don’t say what age the student is, but if it’s a young child (4-8) you might check out “Headsprout Early Reading” (www.headsprout.com ) which is an online program that adapts to what the child is doing (provides prac tice in needed areas, corrects errors etc.) and is very engaging for young kids. I’ve been quite impressed with how well it works on teaching basic word and sentence reading skills with youngsters who have failed previously, but it’s designed as a “pre-emptive strike” approach so that they won’t fail at all. Kids love doing it and choose it during recess, amazingly enough! The music and animation are superb, and the humour and whimsy appeal to kids. The instructional design is sophisticated and very effective, and the parent (or teacher) can track progress via detailed reports on the individual student’s progress. Some monitoring is required, but the adult only needs to supervise and be an intermittent cheerleader.

For a program that you can buy and use on your computer, I have heard good reports of “Funnix” (www.funnix.com) but haven’t tried it because it doesn’t run on a Mac. It requires an adult to work WITH the child and control the mouse, but advances only when the child meets the criteria for moving ahead.

One advantage of the computer for providing some of the practice needed in early reading is that it can do so in a fast-paced, “fun” way and correct errors in an impersonal fashion. In many ways it’s much less threatening (for a struggling learner) than working with a person. After mastering a skill the child can then show off his or her new learning with the parent or teacher.

Susan S.
Freelton, Ontario