[MOSAIC] computer website

[GRISTINA, KRISTIN]

Our district purchased Study Island for this school year and our kids have been using it. It's OKAY, but to be honest, the kids need to be monitored when they use it because they guess! I also feel it's difficult for many kids to track the print when they are trying to read a passage on the computer screen. There are fun games for them to play as well as a "test mode" and they are supposed to aim towards getting blue ribbons in each of the areas of the standards for reading and math. As most computerized programs, Study Island has its downfalls. No computerized program will ever replace face to face instruction and discussion with students.
 
HOWEVER... I came across a GREAT website for our ESL students and for lower level readers! It's www.onemorestory.com
They have beautiful authentic children's books that can be read aloud to the students (the words are highlighted as the reader reads) and the actual illustrations are shown. Students click on the arrow once the page has been read to them (they cannot read ahead or just click to get through a story). In addition, they can choose to read the story independently by clicking the "i" on the page and the reader doesn't read, but the kids can click on a word they don't know and have it read for them. 
We have been brainstorming ways of getting more listening center activities into our ESL classrooms. This website seemed like a blessing to me!  You can purchase it for home use for $40 a year (I think) and the schools can purchase the program for 12 months for $1 per student. I inquired about it and they gave me a one week trial for free.
 
Check it out! I think you will like it, particularly if you are a primary person! :)
Kristin
 
Kristin Gristina
Language Arts Coordinator
Livingston Park Elementary School