Software Review

• Software Title: Dosity
• Grade/Age level: Age levels K-2, 3-4, 5-8, then higher
• Subject Area(s): Math and Language Arts
• Platform: Mac/Windows/Both This works with both platforms
• Review:
  

I found this website as the result of a “Google” search using the parameters “Free online math language arts resources”

There are pictures and illustrations that scroll and flash across the top banner, the sides have: right- a row of buttons for specific lessons- right-ads in print that scroll.

This site offers math & language arts tutorials. Age levels k-2, 3-4, 5-8, & higher

Addition, subtraction, measures, multiplication, number sense, money math, & numbers challenge.

The “Bug Addition Game” shows addition happening, but the student does not pick the correct number as the answer.

The “math memory game” is a Concentration type game. The equation is one card; the sum or an equivalent equation is the second card. If they match, then the cards disappear and a portion of a picture appear. The cards appear as equations written on a chalkboard. (Good reinforcement) This could be fun for 2 kids to play together or one to play alone.

Antonyms, synonyms, contractions, missing letter.

The language arts game –Phonetic endings- has a tree as a graphic-it is the immediate feedback picture. The student selects an ending by clicking on it. A picture window opens with 3 words –the object is for the student to read the endings and then click the word that matches the picture within the window. If the word and the picture match, then the tree flowers and smiles; if it is incorrect, then the tree turns brown and looses it’s leaves.

When you click the “other free activities” tab you will get grade level games and activities-math & language arts. There is even a “work sheet maker”, & has “Mind Twisting” games for all ages.

All in all- this site could be useful for further resources in a classroom, and could be self guided.

• Software Title: IXL Math
  
• Grade/Age level: Pre-k through Grade 5
• Subject Area(s): Math
• Platform: Mac/Windows/Both
• Review:

I found this website as the result of a link I clicked on the dositey website.

You are required to register, but can use as a guest. Monthly access for parents and public is $9.95 (home school), yearly is $79.95. Teachers are charged $199 per year, and asked to purchase a site license for school use. I registered as a guest.

This site is for math skills acquisition and practice.

The sight is broken down into grade level skills. It is focused on grades Pre-k through 5, with more grades to be added at a later date.

I tried the Pre-k skills section. The site assumes that the student is capable of recognizing individual numbers and letters. It asks the student to choose a particular shape from a set of 3 shapes. Once the student clicks on the correct choice-then they have to click a submit button. It also times the speed in which the student responds to the test. Even for a typically developing Pre-K student, this still seems a bit advanced. It does appear to be something that could be accomplished with much adult support, and if the subject has been pre-taught. If the student starts a skill set, and chooses an incorrect answer, then a small window opens and tells the student the correct answer. The window also contains 2 buttons; one says ‘o.k.’, the other says ‘explain’. If the student chooses ‘o.k.’, then the skill set continues, if he chooses ‘explain’ it shows how arrive at the correct answer. This can be helpful for a student-guided session, when the teacher is not available to coach the student in arriving at the correct answer.

• Software Title: Global Classroom
  
• Grade/Age level: Grades k-8
• Subject Area(s): Math And Language arts
• Platform: Mac/Windows/Both
• Review:

I found this resource as the result of a “Google” search using the parameters “Free online math language arts science resources”

This was the first address I used. I clicked the heading ‘Grade Level Skills Help Pages’ and was linked with the
next address.

Internet 4 Classrooms

This site offers resources for a teacher to use in the classroom, based on grade level appropriate skills, and are grade specific to help students practice on specific concept areas.

I picked the Kindergarten grade level and got a page of resources that a teacher can use to make a work sheet for a student who needs help learning to write their name. This is a personalized, student specific, sheet with pre printed dotted line names. This type of work sheet can be used as in class work or can be sent home for the parent to oversee.

Then I tried another Kindergarten link, which was a game that pronounces letter names and sounds, and then uses the letter in a word. The student uses their computer keyboard to chose the letter they want to hear.