Overview - READING REALITIES AT RISK LVL 5 SOFTWARE
Reading Realities At-Risk Series is a reading comprehension program 'about kids and for kids.' An excellent series that captures student interest, the software program contains 45 topics that at-risk teens in Grades 6-12 want to read about. Designed for students reading below grade level, the series uses 'real-life' situations to motivate students in reading and writing.
Focusing on topics that teenagers face in their everyday lives, students are encouraged to write their own reactions and views in a non-threatening, confidential atmosphere. Each level - one through five - is available separately or as a complete set of five.
Students progress through introduction, prediction, and vocabulary sections, and then read passages based upon 'real-life' topics. Comprehension activities include multiple-choice questions (with direct feedback), open-ended response questions, and story retelling. Voice is available for struggling readers. Discussion groups cover the wide range of reading activities. Writing is saved in student portfolios.
Topics include:
- 'Real-Life' Issues. Stealing, Heartbreak, Party Pressure, Dropping Out, and Suicide.
- Jury Series. Police Negligence, Was It Child Abuse?, Vehicular Homicide, Chop Shop, and Driving Under the Influence.
- Career Preparation. Computer Programmer, Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, and Hairdresser.
Features
- Encourages students to participate with online prompting of vocabulary, questions, and writing activities
- Assists students with word meaning by providing vocabulary support (parts of speech, definitions, synonyms/antonyms, and sentence examples)
- Models appropriate reading strategies including prediction, vocabulary preview, questioning while reading, and more
Example: The vocabulary word 'charade' appears on the screen, along with its part of speech (noun), its definition ('false pretense or show'), a synonym ('pretense'), and a related question designed to get students to think: 'Why do people feel they have to take part in the charade of liking me when they don't?'
Reference Binder
Each of the five levels features a 23-page user's manual in a sturdy, three-ring binder, which contains complete instructions for installation and use.
A Scope and Sequence Chart outlines the following:
- Prereading Activities. Activating prior knowledge; defining vocabulary; making predictions
- Story Reading. Sustaining silent reading; visual comprehension
- Multiple-Choice Questions. Cause and effect; making inferences; identifying themes
- Open-Ended Questions. Responding to literal and interpretive questions about text; connecting reading with 'real-life' experiences; comprehension
- Retell the Story. Paraphrasing; sequencing; determining main idea; reinforcing comprehension
- Talk About It. Sharing writing; writing for a purpose and audience; evaluating and extending meaning
- Lexicon. Vocabulary development; recognizing analogies; understanding context clues; using structural analysis
Each binder also contains the vocabulary word lists for all five levels.
Product Type: Software
Product Codes: GAM1400-1405 Single User CDs
Product Codes: GAM1503-1508 Lab Packs (5 Users CDs)
Copyright: 2001
Reading Level: Begins at 4.0 and increases in difficulty
Age-Appropriate For: Grades 6-12, Middle and High School Special Education, Learning Differences
Site License Available: Yes
Run Off CD or Load On HD: Either
Components: Disk, Reference Binder
System Requirements:
- PC - Windows 95 or better; 486 processor or higher; CD drive (for CD installation); hard drive (for disk installation); 16 MB RAM; 256-color capability or greater; sound card; mouse; speaker or headphones; printer (optional).
- Macintosh - System 7.0 or higher; CD drive (for CD installation); hard drive (for disk installation); 16 MB RAM; 256-color capability; 13' or larger monitor; mouse; speaker or headphones; printer (optional).