PBS Kids Island (www.readytolearnreading.org)
© 2008 PBS Kids
Why pay for a subscription-based early reading program when you can get one for free? Funded by various grants, this is a collection of games and videos targeting preschoolers that is managed by the type of record keeping system that is typically reserved for a much more expensive reading solution. You start by creating a screen name and password for yourself. Next, you set up an account for any number of children who are going to use the program, making this a viable option for classroom use, because each child could have their own set of records. Once all the names are setup, children go to the site and click their name. They are then presented with a Word Of The Day, and then can see their own tree house stocked with games and a trophy room containing records of past progress. While the games are fun and generally well-designed, there's a lot of narration which slows the action. For example, in Grover's In The Nick Of Rhyme, children are required to watch an animated skit before they can click on the right answer. Correct answers are rewarded with prize tickets which are used to purchase new tree house decorations. Not surprisingly, this tree house is equipped with a TV that can be used to watch PBS Kids video segments. Content on the site is drawn directly from PBS Kids content, including Sesame Street, Super Why, Between The Lions and Wordworld. The site was developed with support from the U.S. Department Of Education, The Corporation For Public Broadcasting, The Ready To Learn Partnership, and funded by a Ready To Learn grant. There are plans to expand the content for older children, starting next year. If you teach early readers, or live with one, this site is certainly worth a look.
Windows, Mac OSX, Internet Site
Teaches: reading, phonics, letter and word recognition, rhyming
CTR Rating: 88%