Saturday, July 15, 2006

Learning to read without books

The other day I was recommended a free website for children called Starfall where children can learn to read. To begin with children do the ABC's then move on to the books and games in a sequential order. It uses pictures and small animations to link letters, sounds and words in both verbal and written form and also incorporates other elements such as counting and the calendar. All very cleverly done.

The about section provides an overview of Starfalls history. The website was started by the Polis-Schutz family seemingly with a passion about making the world a better place, and to have the opportunity to use the Internet to help children learn to read.

In terms of experience with Tobias and the potential educational value it is still early days. He has only tried it a few times so far. However, observing him use the website is very encouraging. He already knows his ABC’s (in Danish and English), but is struggling with the sounds which is the key to pronouncing words. Here I think the website will prove its worth – at least initially. It will be interesting to follow his developments. Will keep you posted on how he goes.

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