[senco-forum] Alternatives to Wordshark

I have some e learning credits to spend.... I want

It really is good -as I keep telling you all -we have had it for 4 years
now, the kids want to go on pc (ask can I go on Nessy), the programme of
learning -with loads of card games to make up is excellent  and it more or
less follows same order as alpha to omega but really integrates reading into
the scheme - well worth the money ( and we don't have e-credits in Wales so
actually bought it ourselves!) barbara ht 
-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of
webmaster at aylesburyvale-sec.bucks.sch.uk
Sent: 10 October 2006 12:04
To: Kate Barnes; 'senco-forum'
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] Alternatives to Wordshark

From: Kate Barnes <kate.senrab at btinternet.com>
> I have some e learning credits to spend.... I want
> something that does a  similair job to wordshark, phonic progression 
> and  high frequency words  practice.SEN kids in mainstream primary.  I 
> like wordshark, just seems a good idea to have variety. Kate

I have recently been looking at exactly the same question.
We too have 'Wordshark' but want something more.

I looked at several different programmes (not all computer
based): starspell, lexia, launch the lifeboat, accelread/accelewrite and
several others.

I have decided to pursue 'Nessy Learning System'. There are several reasons
but one main one was the look of it. It sounds trivial but to the students I
teach it matters. A lot.

Compared to Nessy the other programmes look sooo dated (a
bit like how a PC looks like when compared to a Mac). Nessy looks more
lively and 21st century.

OK this might not be such an issue for primary aged kids but
it will be for some.

Another reason was the variety Nessy seems to offer. Other programmes seem
to have set approaches. Nessy seems to use lots of different styles and
techniques. Yes it has computer games but it has so much more. Huge banks of
classroom activities, games, flashcards, worksheets. The admin seems very
straight forward too.

Admitedly I haven't purchased or used Nessy yet. However looking at the demo
it seems to fit what I was looking for. A stuctured programme going from
ages 5-16 which has lots of variety, looks good and is easy to administer.

Hope this helps.

Mark

--
Mark Norwood
www.avssc.org
"How can one not be fond of something that the Daily Mail despises?" Stephen
Fry

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