Need information on the best reading program for l.d. class

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

I am looking for the best reading program for L. D. students, grades K-6. They are all on different reading levels ranging from Preprimer to fifth grade. They all progress at their own individual speed therefore “grouping” them is not really an option. I am looking at Barton Reading and Lexia(computer). I believe that the best option is a good basic reading program that is developed for learning disabled readers and a supplemental computer program. Any information you can give me will be appreciated. I have tried to find ratings for different programs and have not had much success.

Submitted by des on Wed, 10/12/2005 - 4:06 AM

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I wouldn’t recommend any Orton Gillingham based program (like Barton) if you can’t group them. That is a very difficult, almost untenable situation. You might do some basic decoding program (like Phonographics) and supplement with Lexia and other programs in fluency and comprehension.

I thought my own situation wasnt’ very ideal but my students are all grouped.

—des

Submitted by Tony on Thu, 10/13/2005 - 1:27 PM

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Be sure to check out the Academy of Reading by AutoSkill. This is a supplemental computer program that goes after phonemic awareness/decoding skills. It was built on scientifically based research that doesn’t have a bunch of animation between questions (that wastes the time of little guys and offends older users). www.autoskill.com

Also, you might look into what people are doing around balance exercises and the development of the cerebellum. You could probably come up with your own exercises to impact brain development. Try this site - www.dorecenters.com

Hope this helps,
Tony

Submitted by Sue on Thu, 10/13/2005 - 5:46 PM

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Teaching at their level is a huge deal here. Let’s face it, theyr’e not in the LD class because they’ll figure it out, no matter how it’s delivered.
ONe way to deal with processing at their own speed is to make that grouping flexible - so that every X weeks you regroup. Honestly, it’s more important to teach the *students* than to teach the program.
www.rlac.com has good programs and good materials, and can also provide training. Lexia software is good (and of course cna be individualized), too.

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