Literacy

Archipelago

Publisher: Cambridgeshire Software House
Places students somewhere on a group of islands where they tackle various problems with which they are confronted. Their experiences can promote imaginative and creative writing as they record their journey. The adventure is substantially text based with some on screen images to help inspire their thinking. Features: Problems to solve, codes to crack, diary recording, hazards to survival, team collaboration, decision making, health & hygiene, other technologies. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / MAC CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3
Age range: 9-14

Bear and Penguin's Big Reading Adventure

Publisher: DK Interactive Learning
Bear & Penguin's Big Reading Adventure leads children through 4 compelling games that are not only great fun but also impart essential reading skills that will stay with them forever! This charming CD teaches spelling patterns, phonics, sentence construction and encourages each child to read for meaning. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 5-7

Cloze Wizard

Publisher: 4Mation
This teacher utility allows you to easily produce large variety of worksheets form any ASCII text file, enabling students to see text in range of different formats to fully understand the meaning of terms and phrases used. Easy to use, producing professional printouts; 12 worksheet types. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11

Crossword Wizard

Publisher: 4Mation
Teacher utility to easily create, edit and print crosswords and other worksheets from single set of words & clues. Crosswords encourage students to think laterally, provides excellent way to review key terminology on any topic. Provides 12 worksheet types, students can create their own puzzles. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11

Easi Keysi

Publisher: Sherston Software Ltd
Easi Keysi is an interactive program that will help your pupils to develop their basic typing skills and reinforce spelling patterns. Including over 100 differentiated typing lists and 1000 different words, this program enables you to provide stimulating typing practice at a language level relevant to each individual pupil. With all this and more, Easi Keysi will motivate children while effectively developing their keyboard skills and overall vocabulary. Contents; Over 100 differentiated typing lists. Interactive on screen keyboard. Configurable text, keyboard style and colour. Pupil record keeping. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11

Find-A-Word Wizard

Publisher: 4Mation
Find-A-Word Wizard has been designed to provide Teachers, Casual Teachers and Parents with a quick and easy method of creating language worksheets for students to practice their reading and writing skills. A range of worksheets provide variety and program controls allow users to create worksheets that suit the length of time you wish students to spend on review. Key Features: Add graphics to suit your theme, Uppercase / lowercase, Dictionary generated word lists, Control of font selection and sizes, Print preview with automatic formatting, Internet Find-A-Words for use on your intranet or web site, Eight Available Worksheet Types, Standard Puzzle, Shape Puzzle, Circle Puzzle, Mystery Puzzle, Code Cracker Puzzle, Weekly Words 1 - Combination find-a-word puzzle, Weekly Words 2 - Combination find-a-word puzzle, Weekly Words 3 - Combination find-a-word puzzle. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3, 4
Age range: 5-16

Focus on Literacy electronic Big Books

Publisher: Collins Educational
Fantastic new ICT resources for Whole Class Teaching at upper KS2 that support Literacy Hour ICT guidance. Provides all Year 5 & 6 Focus on Literacy Big Book texts plus extra new material. Each book is designed for use in the shared session on a digital whiteboard or large screen. Ideal for modelling and brainstorming. Packed with extra support for Text, Word & Sentence level objectives. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Two titles available: Year 5, Year 6.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 9-11
ISBN: 7140819

Focus on Spelling

Publisher: Collins Educational
Consolidate, practise and extend with this fun, customisable literacy resource. Developed to fully support NLS Spelling Bank & Framework objectives, make learning to spell fun. Motivate & stimulate with fun activities and bright, colourful presentation. Explain spelling rule, encourage practise through fun, motivating games for 1 or 2 players. Comes with built-in lexicon, personal word bank for targeted practice, can be customised for individual pupil needs. Built-in tests, assessment, diagnostics. Designed for whole class teaching with digital whiteboard and independent use. Two Ages available: 6-7, 8-11.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 6-11
ISBN: 7140320

Fourways Farm

Publisher: 4 Learning / Espresso Education
A great cross-curricular resource, ideal for combining science and literacy. Fourways Farm DVD is an award-winning animated series of farm stories, each one containing a basic scientific concept suitable for children of this age to explore and investigate. All three series are available in this 2-disk set, making it even easier to use. It's a great cross-curricular resource, ideal for combining science and literacy. The delightful characters featured in the series are voiced by Martin Jarvis. Curriculum Connections: Materials, Scientific enquiry, Changing materials, Energy and forces, Life processes and living things, Technology, Literacy. Added value: contains 5 extra stories from Series 3, includes embedded support material. The Fourways Farm DVD features 25 x 10 minute programmes. Series 1: 1. Who's Been Eating?, 2. A Drop of the Hard Stuff, 3. Material Differences, 4. Ups and Downs, 5. The Sound of Music, 6. On Reflection, 7. Moonstruck, 8. Falling Upwards, 9. Sunflowers, 10. Three of a Kind. Topics covered in Series 1 include: Grouping of living things, Water and ice, Freezing and melting, Properties of different materials. Series 2: 11. Floating and Sinking, 12. Buried Treasure, 13. Appropriate Measures, 14. Animal Magnetism, 15. Gauging the Weather, 16. Birth and Death, 17. Paws for Thought, 18. Snow Problem, 19. Hot and Cold, 20. Shadow Play. Topics covered in Series 2 include: Floating and sinking objects, Decay and food preservation, Units of measurement, Magnets and magnetic objects. Series 3: 21. Colours, 22. Sickness and Health, 23. Changes, 24. Four Seasons, 25. Wind and Air. Topics covered in Series 3 include: Mixing colours to make new ones, Staying healthy, Cooking and Changes in appearance, The seasons, Air and flight. FREE PREVIEW: this DVD is available on 14 day FREE PREVIEW, simply click the option below - an invoice will be issued for any items retained after this time.
Format: DVD Video
Key stage: 2, Scottish Level C
Age range: 9 -11

I Love Spelling!

Publisher: DK Interactive Learning
Exciting CD teaches and tests spelling for children. Players take part in a spectacular, intergalactic game show adventure and travel to 4 planets in a spelling competition against a crafty extra terrestrial. Draws on comprehensive database of 5000+ words, divided into 3 levels of spelling difficulty. Teachers have access to 100+ word groups covering essential spelling rules and patterns. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 7-11

Jacqueline Wilson Trilogy DVD

Publisher: 4 Learning / Espresso Education
Endorsed by the National Literacy Association’s Guide to Literacy Resources 2003. Best Children’s Fiction Award RTS 2003. Winner International Emmy 2004. Winner BAFTA Children’s Film and Television Awards 2004. Two of Jacqueline Wilson’s dramas are now available on DVD with extra Popular Writers documentary included. What’s So Good About Jacqueline Wilson (Documentary), 2 x 15 minute programmes: Jacqueline Wilson invites us into her book filled home to show how she writes her books and develops her ideas. Her books touch on important and sensitive subjects such as homeless families, children in care, bullying and bereavement, but always maintain humour and a lightness of touch appropriate to her audience. DOUBLE ACT: 1 x 100 minute programme. Curriculum Connections: Narrative structure, character, setting, dialogue and plot, storytelling through dramatisation, study of media texts. Jacqueline Wilson weaves a charming, sensitive and often hilarious story about ten year old twins Ruby and Garnet growing up and finding their own identities. The girls look alike but have very different personalities. Everything starts to change when their widowed dad brings home Rose, his new partner. They move to the country, but the girls, particularly Ruby, find country life difficult to cope with, so they make plans to sneak off to the big city to audition for a TV series and apply to a posh boarding school. But the girls’ best efforts do not go according to plan. THE ILLUSTRATED MUM: 4 x 25 minute programmes. Curriculum Connections: Gives insights into the author’s craft, setting, mood and character, the structuring of text. Promotes listening, reflection and discussion. Develops opportunities for writing. Explores PSHE themes of growing up, family relationships and mental illness. Dolphin’s remarkable coming of age in The Illustrated Mum won Jacqueline Wilson the 1999 Guardian Prize for children’s fiction. At its core is the intimate exploration of what happens when children are forced to take on all the roles that parents are usually expected to deliver. Deep down Dolphin knows the truth about her mother, Marigold, that she suffers from a mental illness. Starring Michelle Collins as Marigold. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. FREE PREVIEW: this DVD is available on 14 day FREE PREVIEW, simply click the option below - an invoice will be issued for any items retained after this time.
Format: DVD Video
Key stage: 2, 3
Age range: 7-14

Just Write DVD

Publisher: 4 Learning / Espresso Education
Presented by the popular writer Michael Rosen, these programmes complement Write Away!, covering a wide range of writing styles. Aspiring young writers are given the chance to try their hand at creating real writing for high profile outlets, with published outcomes. The DVD gives examples of writing for comedy scripts, news reports and brochures. Includes Bonus feature Teachers Guide and Activity Book making lesson planning quick and easy. Features 10 x 15 minute programmes: 1. Radio Report, 2. Newspaper Article, 3. Skateboard Instructions, 4. Campaign Brochure, 5. Internet Review, 6. Alternative Endings, 7. Stand-Up Poetry, 8. Comedy Script, 9. TV Script, 10. Ghost Story. Curriculum Connections: Writing across a range of genres, Essential writing skills, Factual and imaginative writing, Journalistic writing, Performance poetry. How can this DVD enhance my lessons: DVDs offer greater flexibility and control, making them easy to incorporate into your lessons. Can be used on computers with DVD-Rom drives and are ideal for use on interactive whiteboards programmes. Using film in the classroom will help you to improve results. FREE PREVIEW: this DVD is available on 14 day FREE PREVIEW, simply click the option below - an invoice will be issued for any items retained after this time.
Format: DVD Video
Key stage: 2
Age range: 9-11

Lighthouse Pupil Activity Software

Publisher: Ginn and Company
Built around the Lighthouse Key Stage 1 guided reading programme, with one CD ROM per year offering two activities for each book. The activities and games include clear instructions, offer encouragement and support and are set in the familiar context of the books the children have just read, to help them work independently at the right level. Activities and games for each level of the programme are perfect for reinforcing phonics, text and sentence level work. Activities cover the NLS teaching objectives in the same way as the Lighthouse readers. All activities are cross referenced to the ICT Scheme of Work, the National Literacy Strategy and National Curriculum guidelines. An easy to use record keeping system enables teachers to effectively monitor childrens progress.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 5-7
ISBN: 60230590X

Literacy Activity Builder : Single User version

Literacy Bank Series

Publisher: Sherston Software Ltd
Developed in conjunction with National Literacy Association. Contains short structured interactive activities. 6 activity types: cloze, check, comprehension, identify, quiz, full text; keep pupils motivated and built in record keeping helps teachers track progress. 5 Levels: Year 3 (Age 7-8) containing 216 activities, Year 4 (Age 8-9) containing 180 activities, Year 5 (Age 9-10) containing 166 activities, Year 6 (Age 10-11) containing 171 activities, and Year 7 (Age 11-13) containing 180 activities. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3
Age range: 7-13

Literacy Box

Publisher: Sherston Software Ltd
Developed specifically for infants, contain wealth of short, structured activities covering Word level objectives of National Literacy Strategy. Stimulating visual and aural activities keep pupils motivated, whilst built-in record keeping helps busy teachers keep track of progress. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Available at 3 levels: Reception (Age 4-5), Year 1 (Age 5-6), Year 2 (Age 6-7).
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 4-7

Literacy Lesson Starters : Single User versions: per Volume

Literacy World Interactive

Publisher: Heinemann Primary
Specially designed for teachers and pupils already using Literacy World in the classroom. Developed from the teaching units in the core Literacy World materials, software fully complements existing Literacy World resources to fit seamlessly into teaching and planning. Activities can be used for group or individual work, or for whole class teaching in the classroom or ICT suite. Activities are differentiated for 3 ability levels. Child friendly structure and navigation help children use the software with minimal supervision. Extra activities ensure children are occupied until the end of the session. Built in tracking and record keeping features make it easy to see which objectives children have covered and what they have achieved. Fiction and Non-Fiction Packs available for Levels 1-4.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 7-11

Living Phonics

Publisher: Ransom Publishing Ltd
Synthetic phonics programme to teach children the basis of reading and writing. It works successfully with children of all abilities using a simple and fun multisensory approach. Has 3 stages to take children from learning their alphabet through to being able to read and write. Handbook: contains 44 lesson plans, photocopiable worksheets, and charts. Teachers Resource CD: also shows phonics being taught in class using the Handbook, includes recording of correct pronunciation of letter sounds. Digital Lessons CDs: use the interactive whiteboard to teach phonics, covers all lessons with animations and sounds. Letter Detective CD: 6 activities teach sounds and letters of the alphabet, key digraphs, activities can be set for different ability levels, progress can be recorded. 6 copies of the Letters Book: practical workbook improves reading and writing skills.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM, Print
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 4-7

MatchWord

Publisher: Kingscourt McGraw Hill
Brilliant new teaching tool for generative literacy activities that match learning objectives to the needs of children. Contains 19,000+ words, 500+ pictures, 175 activities. Words can be sorted by phonemes, letter patterns, number of syllables, word patterns, topics, learning objectives. Allows teachers to create huge range of resources, making this invaluable for teachers from Foundation to KS3. Efficiently and accurately produce differentiated resources for pupils to use in class and at home. Teach: Phonological awareness, Phonics, Concepts of print, Word study, Spelling, Vocabulary, Comprehension. In addition to cross curricular links, Literacy, Maths, Citizenship, Science, Spanish. No network version.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 5-14
ISBN: 1871821002

Models for Writing: Interactive Big Books

Publisher: Ginn and Company
The Models for Writing Interactive Big Books provide an exciting and interactive way to display and annotate Key Stage 2 Models for Writing resources using ICT. The four CD ROMs for Years 3 - 6 contain whole class texts in electronic format. Provide simple annotation tools to draw childrens attention to key points. Include all the Photocopy Masters for you to customise as you need.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 7-11

New Reading Disc

Publisher: Cambridge Training and Development Ltd
Award winning resource for teaching adults to read. Supportive, interactive learning environment increases learners confidence; helps develop and reinforce reading and writing abilities at their own pace by means of simulated activities, and variety of skill building exercises. Tutors have facility to add their own content tailored to students' specific needs. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Age range: 18+

Oxford Reading Tree: First Phonics Talking Stories

Publisher: Sherston Software Ltd
Each CD contains 6 talking stories plus activities. Exciting and motivating way to consolidate vocabulary, develop phonological reading skills. Working in groups or independently, children can interact with the stories, read with increased confidence. Features include interactive listening, reading & writing activities for each story, Phonic Fun section contains 3 further phonics based activities each with 2 levels of difficulty. STAGE 1 CD (Age 3-5) 6 stories: The Ice Cream, Can You See Me?, Good Dog, What a Din!, See Me Skip, The Mud Pie. STAGE 2 CD (Age 4-6) 6stories: The Big Egg, Poor Floppy, Put It Back, In a Bit, A Present for Mum, The Hole in the Sand. STAGE 3 CD (Age 4-6) also available with further 6 stories. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 3-6

Penpals for Handwriting

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Complete handwriting scheme that ensures progression from early development for gross and fine motor skills to confident letter formation and accomplished joins. Ideal for use alongside print materials, published by Cambridge University Press, or as a standalone scheme. Features: Animations of letter formations and key joins. Animated sky writing patterns for practising letters and joining patterns in the air. Video warm up activities for gross and fine motor skills to prepare pupils for handwriting. Video clips for guidance on correct posture and pencil hold for left and right handed pupils. Printable handwriting pattern sheets and copymasters for further practice or homework. Word banks for maximum practice and greater differentiation. Comprehensive teacher’s notes to support you in directly teaching handwriting. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Discs available for: Foundation 2, and Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5/6 (Age 9-11). Supporting Books also available: Teachers, Practice, and Big Books.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 4-9
ISBN: 978 1845650100

Phoneme Track

Publisher: Semerc
Some learners may need more support than others to ensure they develop the skills required to master reading and writing. Helps users identify, segment, blend and manipulate the sounds, phonemes, that are representative of the graphemes in the English language. Many activities will be familiar to those working within the National Literacy Strategy word level framework. Activities include Phoneme Take Aways, Phoneme Changes, Phoneme Chains. Accompanying Phoneme Workbook is full of photocopiable extension activities. Suitable for KS1&2, also ideal for older learners who are experiencing specific phonological difficulties. UK audio support available. Suitable for Switch users. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Other titles in the series include: Alphabet Track, Eye Track, Idiom Track, Number Track, Spell Track, Word Track, see separate entries for full details.
Format: Windows CD-ROM, Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11
ISBN: 1844410498/G05

Phonics Focus

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Helps pupils to accelerate their learning of phonics to become confident and successful spellers. Follows the new Y2 and Y3 Planning Exemplification and Spelling Programme, the only totally up to date phonics resource you’ll find. Structured, progressive and cumulative practice activities for all pupils. Especially beneficial for those who struggle with spelling. Records and tracks pupils’ progress to identify those who are making good progress and those who are finding the activities more challenging. Activities can be customised so that practice is tailored to individual needs. Whatever phonics or spelling programme you use, this gives support where it is needed most. Designed for individual use at a PC. Available for Years 1-4.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-9
ISBN: 9781845650025

Phontastic

Publisher: AVP
Improve phonological awareness in KS1 and Special Needs pupils and record progress. Fun way for children to build on existing phonic knowledge. Uses colour graphics, animations, sound to encourage progression in building common 3 letter words in stages 1-2; practising double consonant blends in stages 3-5. Pupils work at their own pace, teachers can access printed record of achievements.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 4-7

Princess and the Ring

Publisher: Cambridgeshire Software House
Adventure game for the literacy hour. Can you help the King find the magic ring? Traditional adventure game that involves reading and decision making. Adventure is based on a story, that can be printed out and read before using the CD, which includes witches, trolls, a ghost, and of course, the Princess! No network version.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 6-10

Reading and Writing Web

Publisher: Cambridge Training and Development Ltd
For classroom or individual learning. Supports work that children of 5 and 11 undertake for National Literacy Strategy, enriches teaching by creating fun activities. Children create and publish: stories, reports, instructions, persuasive writing; using pictures, words, voices. Finished work can be played as slideshow, printed, published, sent web site, etc. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11

Rigby Star Pupil Activity Software

Publisher: Rigby Educational Publishers
Consists of 3 CDs, one for each of Reception, Year 1, Year 2, offering a range of pupil activities and games. Will help you to integrate ICT appropriately into literacy teaching. Book Bank levelled activities and games ensure children are working at the right level. Self contained activities are perfect for independent and group work. Meaningful and effective coverage of NLS objectives, as skills are taught in the context of books. Includes comprehension questions at Year 1&2 providing great preparation for SATs. Linked to ICT Scheme of Work, National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum guidelines. Easy to manage record keeping system so that teachers can monitor childrens progress.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 5-7

Sellardore Tales

Publisher: Topologika Software Ltd
Animated text adventure designed to complement supportive reading strategies in primary & lower secondary. Presented in age-appropriate, grown-up style to meet needs of older pupils, yet with reading age of 7-8 years, this pack challenges pupils to explore Sellardore, a land of wizards & dragons. Ideal for small group work which needn't be tied to the computer. Pupils must first read the 56 page prequel Zorin, the Curse of Sellardore which sets the scene and is a useful reader in its own right. Activity Sheets (include maps, crosswords, word searches, cloze exercises) extend computer work. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. VLE compatible - Kaleidos, Moodle and Frog.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3, 4
Age range: 8-15

Smudge Literacy Collection (First Words with Smudge)

Publisher: Storm Educational Software
Collection of 6 different activities to introduce and improve literacy skills for children aged 4 years and above. Smudge allows children to work at their own pace, and the collection includes: WRITING LETTERS: KS1 English, helps with recognition, letter shapes and order of letters. MAKE a PICTURE: KS1 English, encourages communication when used by a pair or group of children. FILL THE GAP: KS1 English, complete words shown with missing first or last letter. JIGSAW: KS1 English, complete different jigsaw pictures. COMPLETE the WORDS: KS1 English, helps with early word skills. WORD PROCESSOR: KS1-2 English, children's first Word Processor for creating short stories, thank you letters, poems etc.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 4-8

Smudge Punctuates

Publisher: Storm Educational Software
Shows that punctuation makes written work interesting and enjoyable. Illustrates use and position of punctuation marks in written English. Includes reporting system to monitor progress.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-9

Smudge Spells

Publisher: Storm Educational Software
Smudge Spells is a first spelling program which enables children of different ages and abilities to practise the spelling of words through nine different activities each of which have their own variations. These activities may be used time and time again. There are more than 30 different topics supplied (which includes short vowels plurals suffixes prefixes magic e s) and teachers can select different categories of words to use with each of these types. As you may expect there is a large vocabulary of words with pictures and sounds and there are three optional animated themes featuring Smudge at sea. The program is supported by a user guide a spelling reference and spelling lists. The reporting section allows each child's progress to be assessed. Nine different activities to practise spelling. Covers a wide range of spelling topics. Animated themes of Smudge at sea.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 7-11

Sounds Great

Publisher: Kingscourt McGraw Hill
Volume 1: Gives comprehensive coverage of the phonics you need to teach, plus built in assessment for each child and the whole class. Focuses on initial consonants and short vowels. Perfect for beginning and emergent readers and writers. Used in foundation year 1, also good for Special Needs to Year 4. Contains: Teachers Resource Folder with lesson plans. 5 CD-ROMs which cover the 26 letters of the alphabet. Assessment disk with automatic recording and printing. Copy Masters with printed versions of each book, whole-class, group and independent activities, homework and games. Volume 2: covers consonant blends, digraphs, all common spelling patterns, focuses on listening skills.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM, Book
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 5-14
ISBN: 732728258

Spark Island

Publisher: Collins Educational
Interactive Learning Adventures in Numeracy & Literacy for KS1 & KS2. KEY STAGE 1 MATHS: packed with interactive, curriculum linked activities. Developed in conjunction with practising teachers. Easy to use & install. Adaptable to different lesson plans, teaching styles, classes. Integrated with pupil performance tracker facility. Complementary printable resources, teaching suggestions, clip art. Indexed by learning outcome. For classroom & home use, designed to practise, consolidate skills. KEY STAGE 2: motivating activities for will save time in lesson planning. All activities are clearly indexed to the National Literacy & Numeracy Strategies, in relevant year, term, attainment level. KS2 Maths CD contains 8 activities that practise: Multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, probability, venn diagrams. KS2 English CD contains 9 activities that practise: punctuation, spelling, word formation, vocabulary. EARLY YEARS version also available.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11
ISBN: 7155956

Speaking for Myself Plus

Publisher: Topologika Software Ltd
Early language resource helps develop children's communication, cognitive and reading skills. Children who lack a good grounding in speaking and listening skills can find early formal educational real challenge. Tackles this problem head on through tried and tested interactive tasks which also get children used to working on the screen: 60 flash cards with on-screen signing and symbols; 8 sing-along nursery rhymes help develop communication, cognitive & reading skills; 16 two or three word talking stories about everyday things (shopping, going to the park) help teach reading to teach talking; 5 games/diversions encourage children to count to 12, colour in pictures, match one half of a 2 piece jigsaw to another, tidy up, and recognise sounds. Although originally designed with SEN children in mind, proves it worth in mainstream inclusive classrooms. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 2-11

Spell Track

Publisher: Semerc
Encourages learners to look carefully at words and reinforce correct spelling. Suitable for KS 1 & 2 pupils, and learners of all ages with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia. Developed to address specific difficulties with: word & letter recognition; phoneme awareness, segmenting & blending skills; visual discrimination; left to right directionality, ability to follow line of type; omission & reversals of letters within words; consolidation, revision of phonic skills & spelling strategies; learning to spell high frequency or difficult words; keyboard awareness, typing. Includes regular testing for spelling practice, printable reports of progress, choice of wordlists from National Literacy Strategy and much more. Suitable for Switch users. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Other titles in the series include: Alphabet Track, Eye Track, Idiom Track, Number Track, Phoneme Track, Word Track, see separate entries for full details.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 5-11
ISBN: 1844410188

Spinout Stories

Publisher: 4Mation
Designed to promote literacy among older students in upper primary, early secondary years, who have reading difficulties. 2 packs available: Red & Blue. Each pack contains CD with 4 stories on high interest age related topics such as building sites, diesel engines, surfing, crocodiles, gorillas, dreaming. Each Story has 3 different reading levels, of which the hardest has optional hypertext links to further information at an even higher reading level. Comprehensive Teachers Guide, printable worksheets. Software includes teacher controls, optional tracking facilities to monitor students progress, extension activities related to text, worksheet generator. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3
Age range: 10-14

Stig of the Dump

Publisher: Topologika Software Ltd
Brand new golden oldie. Gets children reading for meaning and enjoying it! Puts learners in Barney' shoes, brings this animated text adventure to life. Interact with the virtual environment: people, objects, location from Barney' house, Stig's cave, the Dump. Careful reading is required, language skills are stretched as they construct instructions to Barney. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 7-14

Storybook Phonics

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Story based approach to phonics practice that helps pupils to read with confidence. Stories are: Attractively illustrated and animated to motivate pupils; Brought to life by engaging narrators; Supported by fun, interactive games to develop blending skills for fluent reading and segmenting skills for accurate spelling; Matched to the NLS word level objectives, in line with Progression in Phonics and Playing with Sounds, the newly published supplement; Ideal for independent and pair work on PCs, and whole class work with whiteboards; Supported by printable teachers notes, cross referencing to NLS documents to save planning time. DISC 1: Foundation Level, Ages 4-5, focuses on CVC words, contains 12 stories. DISC 2: Key Stage 1, Ages 5-7, focuses on consonant clusters, contains 9 stories. DISC 3: Key Stage 1, Ages 5-7, focuses on long vowel sounds, contains 9 stories. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 4-7
ISBN: 978184565 0216

Storyworlds Pupil Activity Software

Publisher: Heinemann Primary
Activities to support 144 Storyworlds titles. Based on Storyworlds reading scheme for KS1, designed to help children get the most out of reading, whilst developing valuable ICT skills. Consists of 3 pupil activity CDs 1 for each of Stages 1-3 Reception, Stages 4-6 Year 1 and Stages 7-9 Year 2, can all be used for independent or group work. Helps integrate ICT easily into literacy teaching, offers 2 activities for every book in the core reading scheme, covers range of literacy skills including comprehension, games focus on phonics & word level work, differentiated activities based on different stages allow you to use software with all your pupils, has built in record keeping feature to help you track the progress of each child.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 5-7
ISBN: 435144944

SuperSpell

Publisher: 4Mation
Based on sequential development of spelling skills. Program has vast range and covers ability to spell simple 3 letter words through to complex multi-syllabic words. Facility to create your own word lists and edit SuperSpell's word lists. For use in schools, colleges, adult educational programs, vocational literacy, home. Updated version includes National Literacy Strategy word lists and Compound word lists. CD-ROM contains files for printable Student Work Booklets for use with the program and files for 3 printable written Assessment & Diagnostic Tests. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Also available 100 page Worksheet Resource Book.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 6+

SuperSpell Assessment Disk

Publisher: 4Mation
Assessment CD assists teachers to efficiently diagnose particular spelling weaknesses across wide spectrum. Students can independently assess their own stage of spelling development. High quality English narration on all words, sentences. Can be used with SuperSpell CD or as diagnostic spelling assessment program in its own right. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1
Age range: 6+

Tell a Tale

Publisher: 4Mation
V1: Build 3 sentence stories through simple menu interface. Each story has opening, location, actor, action; all beautifully illustrated, animated & spoken, to engage young users. 100+ possible stories, 3 reading levels, print & playback, worksheets. Excellent for early reading skills. V2: 4 new locations, 4 characters with 4 actions, 4 adjectives for each character. 3 language levels, 4 opening phrases; 700+ possible combinations of text, background, character, adjective, action. Language is spoken and shown as text, introducing children to new & interesting words. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows / Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 4-8

Text Thing PLUS

Publisher: Topologika Software Ltd
Focuses pupils attention on key literacy skills based on text that is relevant to them. By loading a piece of text, or using one of the 100+ provided texts, you can quickly and easily generate 9 different activities: Letter by letter, Word by word, Scrambled words, Scrambled sentences, Spelling tests, Sort text, Punctuation, Fill the Blanks, Print word puzzles. A range of flexible options lets you: Differentiate between pupils with full control over difficulty levels; focus on specific letter groups; package up settings for a student or group for quick re-loading; print paper versions of most activities. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3, 4
Age range: 7-18+

Think About

Publisher: Semerc
First of 2 dual format, switch enabled CDs and workbooks aimed at pupils aged 9 and over and those who may need extra support to improve memory, attention, listening and specific literacy skills. Developed with the older, more reluctant reader in mind as well as those with specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia). Aims to: Improve listening skills; Develop levels of understanding, inviting the user to demonstrate levels of literal, inferential and evaluative comprehension; Promote thought, discussion and debate; Develop concentration and memory skills; Provide context which is motivating, different and age appropriate. Scenes in the life of Jasmine and Harry are shown in various settings: at the recycling centre, gardening, camping, in the supermarket, at the library, fishing, skateboarding. The user is encouraged to watch the text free animations and then answer questions on the story before working on to the paper based materials away from the computer. Computer-based activities following the animations include: A facility to record your own version of the dialogue; A match the sentence to the picture exercise; True or false statements; Sequencing; Find the right word; Do you remember? activity. Full accessibility options, clip art and records are available via teacher settings, while the accompanying photocopiable workbook provides full and simplified text of the stories together with questions for further comprehension work.
Format: Windows CD-ROM, Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 2
Age range: 9+

Wolf Hill Talking Stories

Publisher: Sherston Software Ltd
Intended to support KS2 reluctant readers these CD ROMs feature the Wolf Hill characters in the six original Level 1 and 2 stories with thought provoking multiple choice comprehension activities at the end of each chapter. There is also a wider open ended question at the end of each book which should encourage group discussion and help children to relate the overarching theme to their own experiences and empathise with individual characters or actions. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM Mac CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2
Age range: 6-11

Word Mania

Publisher: Topologika Software Ltd
Exciting learning environment with innovative features, multiple layers of strategy, striking game style graphics. Mazes target questions on Spelling & Vocabulary, Punctuation & Grammar, Comprehensive & Use of English, with Lucky Dip option. Score enough points to win the key to leave a maze, then enter another, or tackle a puzzle to win more points. 5 Literacy puzzles: Grammar Nibbles, Crossword, Sliding Blocks, Decipher, Spelling Pong, may also be used as independent problem solving activities. Options allow teachers to specify how the software should be set up, for individual pupils needs etc; select difficulty levels, specify points required to leave mazes, and number of attempts at questions are included. Worksheets may be printed from main screen and new sets of questions added. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. Available for Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 2, 3
Age range: 7-14

Words in Action

Publisher: Cambridge Training and Development Ltd
Provides complete adult literacy course designed to help students develop full range of communication skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Working on the premise that beginning readers are not beginning thinkers, software draws on adult subject matter (e.g. prisoners rights, infertility) to stimulate students to express thoughts and ideas, participate in group exercises. Interactive Whiteboard compatible. NB: Standalone Single User version allows use on 1 PC by 1 user only; any subsequent users attempting to log on will delete the first person's data.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Age range: 18+

Wordshark

Publisher: White Space Ltd
Major teaching resource combines games with serious task of learning to read & spell. 36 games use sound, graphics & text to teach & reinforce word recognition & spelling. Includes: phonics, onset & rhyme, homophones, spelling rules, prefixes etc. Games & pre-recorded words specially targeted at those with specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia). Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3, 4
Age range: 5-18+

Workplace Communication Disc

Publisher: Cambridge Training and Development Ltd
Helps people in work and at home improve reading, writing, speaking skills. Flexible enough to be used by anyone of working age, across all employment sectors, in many different settings, including: traditional FE & community college centres, literacy classes held in non-traditional settings, workplace, workplace training centres, trade union education centres. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Age range: 16+

Writing Frames

Publisher: Folens Ltd
PRIMARY: Give pupils wonderful starting points for writing, see an immediate improvement in structure and quality of work. Worksheets can be customised to suit ability of children, pupils can write on-screen and print out results. Titles: English: Infant Fiction (5-7), Infant Non-Fiction (5-7), Junior Fiction (7-11), Junior Non-Fiction (7-11); PSHE & Citizenship (7-11), RE (7-11), Geography (7-11), History (7-11), History & Geography (5-7). SECONDARY: for average and weaker 11-14 year olds, provides adaptable frames to help improve reading & writing skills. Focuses on key writing elements of 11-14 Framework and challenging areas of reading. CDs contain source texts, ideas, frames, can be used on screen or paper. Titles: (1) Analyse, Review, Comments, (2) Persuade, Argue, Advise, (3) Classic Pre-1914 Poetry, (4) Classic Pre-1914 Prose, (5) Imagine, Explore, Entertain, (6) Inform, Explain. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Key stage: 1, 2, 3
Age range: 5-14
ISBN: 1841914169

Writing Web for Adults

Publisher: Cambridge Training & Development Ltd (Tribal)
Writing continues to be a key element in the new literacy strategy. This CD uses new technology to give learners new, motivating ways to work on writing. Easy to use, learners can work independently after initial induction. contaisn introduction to different writing genres, personal writing,instructins, narrative-story writing, reports, persuasive argument, example texts for each of these, supported by photos and illustrations, texts set at different levels from Entry 2 to Level 1. Interactive Whiteboard compatible.
Format: Windows CD-ROM
Age range: 16+