Who can use the program? To use My Reading Coach (MRC), a child must be able to identify all the letters of the alphabet, comprehend the spoken English-language and possess average hearing and visual capabilities. In addition, the child must be able to physically operate a computer mouse and keyboard.
The Platinum Edition allows the monolingual Spanish speaker to use the program via the Spanish language option. This provides either full Spanish language instruction or Spanish language directions.
Is this a new reading program? My Reading Coach is not a new reading program. The techniques have been used in the classroom for more than 25 years and 5 years as a computer software program. The program integrates: phonics, fluency and grammar in teach and improve reading comprehension.
What is different about My Reading Coach? It works! My Reading Coach has taught over a million learners to read – people who had previously failed with every other method. A speech pathologist and other educators are the Emulated Teachers™ embedded in My Reading Coach. My Reading Coach makes it possible to have teachers directly and individually teach you child in your own home. The program provides complete systematic phonics instruction, grammar instruction and reading comprehension strategies.
For what reading levels is this program appropriate?
The program has been used effectively with anyone reading below grade level.
Will it work for my Special Needs child? Yes. My Reading Coach can work with your special needs child because it is systematic and methodical. However, the child must have continuous daily use until program completion. Modifications on time requirements may be needed for ADD, ADHD children and for children with certain learning disabilities. For instance, it may be necessary modify interaction with the program to 10 - 20 minutes, two to three times per day.
Will it work for my ELL (English Language Learner) child? Yes. My Reading Coach works well with ELL children who comprehend some English, even if they are not yet speaking English. The program includes a lesson assignment feature specifically designed to accommodate this learners.
The Platinum Edition makes it possible for monolingual Spanish learners to learn to speak and read in English quickly via an expanded feature that provides either full Spanish instruction or directions in Spanish.
Will the program test my child? The program initially tests the child on his/her ability to clearly distinguish sounds and recognize other rules for pronunciation and spelling. The program also has four cumulative review tests to ensure long-term memory retention. We suggest rewarding the learner each time s/he passes one of these review tests.
Will the program be difficult for my child to use? With only a brief introduction, your child will be able to complete the lessons and the associated on-line activities independently. As your child progresses through the program they will be able to see their progress. It is important that you acknowledge your child’s hard work and rapid growth. Children excel more quickly when a parent monitors his/her progress.
How many children can use the program? Only one child may use the student version of the program but you may purchase additional licenses for additional children.
What does the program cost? The student version of the program costs $299 per child or $349 per child with the additional Spanish module.
How can I get my middle or high school child willing to use My Reading Coach? One successful approach is to have the child listen to the before and after oral reading of kids who have used the program. Listen Now
If I have a child who has a speech problem, will the program correct pronunciation difficulties?
In this release of the program, the responsibility rests with the child to compare his/her voice to the correct pronunciation by the instructor. A voice recording component exists within the MRC program and learners are able to record and play back their own voice productions provided they have a microphone attached to the computer. However, even without activating the voice recording component, many kids have made significant speech improvement after consistently using My Reading Coach.
Is this program self-sufficient or do we need additional resources? It depends upon the child. For most children, the on-line activities and the off-line support sheets are sufficient for learning to read. For learning disabled or special needs children, it is recommended to have an adult monitor the child and provide help only when they the child is really stuck.
Is this just a phonics program or does it teach reading comprehension? My Reading Coach teaches children of all ages to easily and automatically decode words. As early as lesson 9, children read multiple words, then progress to reading a sentence, next, multiple sentences, and ultimately paragraphs. By lesson 30, children begin reading appropriate stories.
What if there is a technical problem with the program? Technical Support is available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday. MindPlay is closed on all major holidays.
Will the program be boring for my middle and high school child?
Yes, when a child is struggling to read, all practice reading will be laborious and boring. But, as learners progress beyond lesson 12 and begin to see their progress, their reluctance is usually replaced with confidence.
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