The Reading Assistant is a language arts program for grades kindergarten through 11. The focus of this program is improving reading skills. Students improve in the areas of reading fluency, reading comprehension and vocabulary. A headset is required in order to use this program.
The program works by first having a student read silently, then the computer reads a passage to the child. The student reads the passage aloud to the computer using the headset. Words that give the student trouble are reviewed and learned.
Two versions of the Reading Assistant are available. The first is the expanded edition and the second is the web-assistant. The expanded edition is available to homeschoolers who have children with reading shortcomings and are working with a specialist. The specialists can order the Reading Assistant expanded edition. The web-assistant version can be purchased online by homeschool families through the Home School Buyers Co-op.
Scientific Learning
888-358-0212
scilearn.com/products/reading-assistant/
Common Sense Press offers a complete language arts program for grades 1 through 12. Each level contains a student workbook, a teacher guide and materials based on grade level. The high school program is called the gold series. Parents have a choice of American or British literature for high school students.
Learning Language Arts through Literature is a Christian based curriculum although many non-Christian homeschoolers use it as well. Cathy Duffy recommends this program in her book "100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum."
Common Sense Press
8786 Highway 21
Melrose FL, 32666
352-475-5757
commonsensepress.com/langarts.htm
Explode the Code is offered in two ways. The first is an online yearly subscription. The other option is to purchase workbooks for each level.
With the yearly subscription, parents order the number of seats required (one seat for each homeschooled student). The online program covers workbooks 1 through 8. Students enjoy the online version because much of the program works like a video game. Online reporting gives parents real-time progress reports. Students work at their own pace and can move onto the next level as mastery of the concepts are achieved.
In the print edition, parents order the workbooks for their respective grade level. A placement test is given before ordering the workbooks so that parents know what level to place the child. In workbooks 1 through 8, students practice handwriting as well as work on reading and phonics. Handwriting practice is not available through the online version. A teachers' guide accompanies all workbook purchases.
Explode the Code
800-225-2750
explodethecode.com/01_overview/index.cfm