A few ideas from Moondog for families wanting to use properly vetted resources to help with maths and reading skills.

[moondog]

My MSc is ABA is allowing me to learn about some really fantastic things and access 'hot off the press' research.

Two resources that I have found invaluable both personally and professionally have been Numicon which although not new is fantastic. Numbers are represented by shapes which fit together to convey mathematical notions. Really simple to use and fun.

The other is an online reading resource called Headsprout which is cunningly disguised as a computer game.First three lessons are free and they guarantee your money back if progress not made.

Research behind both of these is rock solid and they are thoroughly recommended by my course tutor, Carl Hughes, who is a pretty big shot in the world of ABA. (He set up the first MSc in ABA in Europe).

Please note,to those of me who do not know me,I have no financial or personal incentive for recommending these.I merely wish to spread the word amongst this very knowledgeable community.

Please note also that these may not be appropriate for children with PMLD which is my main area of clinical interest.

Hope this helps some of you.

I should have elaborated.Headsprout teaches a child to read form the start.(There is also a more adult friendly streetwise version for adult learners.)

Moondog, this is really kind of you - will go onto those sites asap as maths and reading are just what I want to look into. Thanks!

Thanks Moondog. I am always looking for ways to help son learn to read and count.

HTH

will check these out, thanks for the links.

Thanks for the info.

That looks pretty cool.

DS1 has been on a reading kick, lately and is loving it. He's been able to sight read a lot of words and do basic phonics for a long time, but the whole idea of sentences has finally clicked with him. Despite the accent issues, Starfall has really helped him to consolidate his phonics knowledge. I just have to repeat everything louder than the laptop so he's not saying "end" and "becars" for "and" and "because"

Moondog - have downloaded the free stuff on Headsprout - DS absolutely loves it! Am toying with purchasing it, will see what else is available more cheaply - 40 lesson program is IIRC $99, so not exactly cheap... DS does struggle with the odd verbal instruction on it.

The Numicon home kit looks absolutely lovely, don't think I can justify getting it as DS maths skills are OK for his age.

That's very good news Moondog as DS2's school uses Numicon with kids with SEN. Will check out both links - thanks.

It's good isn't it TC?

You can pay over time (ooh get me,you'll all think I'm on commision!)in instalments.
Maybe even worth asking family to chip in a pay a bit for birthdays and so on, instead of more plastic?

bump for Misdee. I may go down that route MD. I have got a cheapo Phonics game from PC world, will see what DS makes of that by comparison.

I've just done No. 4 lesson with dd. She can read in Welsh but i want to make sure that English mastered correctly. You get a detailed e mail outlining what learnt after each lesson. I had to force her off it when No. 4ended. I want to maintain illusion that it is a huge treat 9it is working so far,she has gone off in a sulk!)

/hollers She's MoonDOG not PIG lol!

No probs.
Can we have a link to the blog again please TC.

Is there a version spoken in English? Or plans for one? Dd certainly likes the graphics but the US vowels would put me off a bit!

will bear in mind. you asre very welcome to pass on anything i say here

Swede,the American stuff a teeny bit grating but not different enough to bother me.

T, on my other thread I mentioned language for Learning which is a Direct Instruction method for learning language.

Direct Instruction

This in turn is an offshoot of my MSc in ABA.

ABA

ABA known mainly for its use with Autism but it does have huge potential in a great many other applications, including more general comm. problems.

Hi Moondog,

I would like you to contact me to discuss more about Direct Instruction.

Thanks.