INSPIRATION SOFTWARE - KIDSPIRATION

Kidspiration is an educational software designed for kids, starting from preschool to primary school. It develops their thinking, literacy and numeracy skills using proven visual learning principles. In reading and writing, Kidspiration strengthens word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. With new visual math tools, students build reasoning and problem solving skills. Kidspiration helps students:
• Develop strong thinking skills
• Strengthen reading and writing skills
• Build conceptual understanding in math
• Teach students to clarify their thinking and to process, organize and prioritize new information.

Kidspiration uses proven visual learning strategies to build students' vocabulary and English comprehension with integrated Picture and Writing Views, the new Word Guide, enhanced audio support, the new symbol search and the expanded symbol library. In addition, Kidspiration emphasizes the development and use of independent learning strategies, such as pictorial representation of thoughts and concepts.

The software is conveniently designed since there is a:
• Picture view – where students create maps, build graphic organizers including, bubble diagrams and Venn diagrams.
• Math view – where students use visual math tools to understand essential math concepts. Students use math manipulatives such as color tiles, pattern blocks, base ten blocks, fraction tiles and fraction boxes to build essential math skills.
• Writing view – where students expand their ideas into written expression
• An integrated picture and writing view
• Visual learning is adapted and is one of the best methods for teaching thinking skills. Visual learning techniques - graphical ways of working with ideas and presenting information

Kidspiration now includes more curriculum content, new teacher tools and standards-aligned lesson plans in language arts, math, science and social studies along with 150+ activity templates.
• The enhanced quick-start activity templates give teachers classroom-ready resources and provide a launching pad to customize and create lessons for individual learners, small groups and the whole class.
• Tutorials provide a fast and effective way to introduce teachers to visual learning with Kidspiration so they're successful from the start.
• Teacher Resources Online provides additional lesson plans and activities.


LINKS: http://www.kidspiration.com
http://www.kidspiration.com/kidspiration
http://www.inspiration.com/Freetrial#Kidspiration
http://www.kidspiration.com/Examples /Kidspiration/

THE IXL MATH PROGRAM


The IXL math program is practice software that is designed for both primary and pre school children. It allows children to practice math and at the same time allows them to have fun. It has unlimited math questions with more than one thousand topics, which allows students to improve their skills and confidence. This programme is definitely suitable for this age group since with IXL, each grade level has its own themed game board, filled with awards and prizes, so practicing math is like one big treasure hunt. But you only win when you excel! It’s all about:

 Practice, Practice, Practice - With more than 1,000 skills, close to 1,500 different question types, and an unlimited number of computer-generated problems, there is always something new and exciting to practice! IXL is with vibrant images, colorful illustrations, and meaningful content.

 Knowledge isn't the only treasure on IXL - Every time you achieve one of your math goals, whether it's mastering a skill or practicing for a certain amount of time, you just might have a surprise waiting for you. For e.g. in first year’s jungle game board, you might unlock a wild animal, or in the kindergarten toyland game board, you could stumble upon... wait, we're not telling. Keep practicing, and see how many prizes you can find!

 Reaching goals the fun way - IXL is not just about helping children to learn math — it's also about helping your child learn to love the subject. Unlike traditional workbooks and drills, IXL's new practice game boards engage students in their math lessons. As they work for hours to uncover new prizes on their game board, they'll be gaining new math skills and confidence along the way.

 Math can be fun - Piles of textbooks and stacks of worksheets always get children frustrated studying math. They'd rather be playing on the computer and be giggling as IXL asks them to count the hippos, cheering as they earn medals and awards, best of all they'll be learning.

 Excel in math. Excel in life - Solid math skills are a prerequisite to achievement later in life. Start your children on the road to success and help them become better, more confident students. You'll appreciate that IXL will track your children's progress and keep you informed every step of the way. Watch and be amazed as they master new math topics and become proficient in essential skills.


LINKS: http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/third/
http://ixlmath.com

special needs learning

Laureate's software programme uses technology to train cause and effect, discrete pointing, auditory awareness, turn taking, and visual tracking. The animation in the games provide fun and interactive activities for birth to three, preschool, special education, and other children /adults with disabilities. These programs also help to develop mouse control and single switch motor skills.
These games facilitate language development and improve vocabulary while teaching cognitive concepts. The programs include touch screen and scanning interface capabilities so individuals with physical impairments or severe disabilities can fully enjoy the programme. These programs are suggested for individuals (pre-K through adult) with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities and physical disabilities.

 Designed for children and adults with special needs who need more advanced vocabulary and concept training, it also improves short-term memory, word identification, and word association skills.

 It assists children and adults with special needs who need more advanced vocabulary and concept training. It also improves short-term memory, word identification, and word association skills.

 The expressive language training programs encourages children and adults with language impairments to express themselves. It allows children to be more verbal, increase of word use, and interactive communication while teaching sentence formation and construction.

 It helps children to learn the syntax they need to communicate in sentences.

 Laureate's categorization programs teach concepts while providing visual involvement and reading skills reinforcement.

LINKS: http://www.laureatelearning.com/products/category/hardware.html
www.languagelink.html