Seventh Class

During our seventh class, we looked at reading remediation and explored the topic by participating in a reading software and reading website treasure hunt. In class, we were divided into groups and asked to search for reading software and reading websites that can used to help teach students how to read. My group found many software programs and websites that could be implemented in our teaching practice. I have had experience working with several of the websites found during the treasure hunt such as Starfall and Raz-Kids, and looked forward to finding tools that I could add to my own teaching practice. One website I found particularly interesting was Reading Bear. Reading Bear is a site that helps students learn how to read by starting at the beginning of the reading process, focusing on letters and sounds. The site allows users to take quizzes with each of the activities to track progress. I believe that this site would be beneficial to use in elementary classrooms as a potential center activity as well as in elementary resource classrooms and learning centres. I was also introduced to NaviDys, a browser designed to facilitate the reading on the web and optimised for dyslexia and better reading. I look forward to passing this app on to my colleagues working in the classroom as well as in resource settings.

Towards the end of class, we were given time to look through the Apple App Store to search for five reading remediation apps. Five apps that I found that looked like they would engage students in the reading process are:

1)      Super Reader Reading Comprehension

2)      IXL Reading HD  

3)      Montessori First Grade Kids Hooked on Phonics

4)      Spelling Bug Two

5)      Phonics Advanced First Grade

Reading Comprehension is an app that is designed for grade one and two students, but can be used for students in elementary school. The app contains simple stories that are followed by attached comprehension questions.

IXL Reading HD is an engaging app that allow students to develop fundamental reading and writing skills using a game format.

Montessori First Grade Kids Hooked on Phonics is an app that teaches students simple words through blends, digraphs, and long vowel sounds.

Spelling Bug Two helps students learn to spell words as they play through a series of games. Students are assisted by the use of pictures and pronunciations of words and letters.   

Phonics Advanced First Grade helps teach students foundation skills in grade level phonics and word analysis in decoding words.