resources update issue 5

• Easiteach Literacy for KS1 and 2
• Starspell 2.2

• Cut, Paste and Surf!
• Discovery World

Sassoon Joiner
Adrian Williams Design

Starspell 2.2
Fisher-Marriott

Sassoon Joiner is a complete handwriting program. Its aim is to allow teachers to produce progressive exercises for all levels of pupils from KS1-KS4.

Children can complete an identical activity but be graded to their own level of ability. Useful additional features include a dictionary for spell checking, and the facility to export text into other applications.

There is very good support available in the form of a user guide and a website. However I found the software easy to install having read the user guide first.

The ease with which a structured programme for handwriting at all levels can be created is excellent and will alleviate teacher workload considerably.

This software replicates the popular Look-Say-Cover-Write-Check method of spelling that is widely used in classrooms today. The subject matter has been translated perfectly into a digital resource that not only engages and challenges children but also adds another teaching facet to a necessary curriculum subject.

Achieving the same objectives as a class-based spelling test the ICT aspect not only adds excitement to the activity but helps children achieve ICT objectives.

This digital resource has capitalised on a tried and tested classroom teaching method and has succeeded, not only in the eyes of the children but also those of teachers. Starspell 2.2 is a perfect resource that can be used at school, either in a suite, on individual classroom PC's and Interactive Whiteboards.

Maths2XL KS3
Maths2XL

Maths2XL KS4
Maths2XL

Maths2XL is designed as a "maths tutor" to support students who are having difficulties with particular topics and to allow the more confident to reinforce concepts already covered.

The software covers a range of mathematical topics - each explained with an audiovisual animation and a written example to accompany, followed by exercises to test understanding. The programme presents lessons in an easy to use format and allows students to keep revisiting lessons until they are happy with the concept.

As the child progresses through the material, the worksheet for each lesson is marked providing instant feedback. There is a chance to review answers if mistakes have been made and they are only encouraged to progress to the next lesson once they have a good understanding of the concept.

This is an extremely useful piece of software, which encourages and supports students in a non-threatening way.

This is a very useful and unique piece of software, which has been designed as a home tutoring program, but which could also be used in schools in a variety of ways from introducing to revising topics. The different areas of the Maths curriculum are broken down into topics and each one is covered in the same way.

There is an audio visual explanation of each topic with good clear examples lasting 5-10 minutes. The students then complete a pre-printed worksheet, which is multi-choice. The students then input their answers into the computer, which marks them, providing instant feedback.

There is a chance to review answers if mistakes have been made. A record is kept of the student's result and the progress made.

This is an innovative and well-produced product; initial audiovisual introductions to each topic are clear, concise and likely to keep students' attention.

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