Headsprout
© 2002 Headsprout
Internet delivered, this set of 40 early reading lessons teaches 34 sound and letter combinations, enough to sound out and read nearly 500 words. Each cartoon-style lesson takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and progress reports are sent to parents' email addresses. The lessons are programmed in Flash and are engaging. The first few, for instance, star a couple of aliens and children must complete activities to help them fly their spacecraft. Our one concern regarding the lessons is their pacing-- it's very slow. The entire first lesson is devoted to teaching the "s" and "ee" sounds and learning to read "see". It's also important to note that this program doesn't seen to teach the names of letters, only the sounds. These notes aside, if a child completes all 40 lessons (meant to be done over the course of several months) he or she will come away with some solid early learning skills. Also included are 25 printable stories. The cost is $100, and there is a free trial available at www.headsprout.com.
$100, Internet Site
Teaches: reading, phonics