Somerset lifetimes 2019 Semester 1

Mindplay

Perhaps the best way to demonstrate the impact of MVRC is to hear from the children, who have a current license, and their parents. River reports that Mindplay has helped with his reading and spelling. He added, “It makes me feel like I am smart now.” Leny says the programme challenges him and he, “… enjoys trying to work to reach new levels.” He admits he previously found reading difficult and was embarrassed to read aloud in class but now his self-esteem has improved and he feels much better about his learning. Leny is excited sharing that he now reads all the time for enjoyment. Ava in Year 5 says Mindplay involves doing lots of different educational activities and it teaches spelling, reading and grammar in fun ways. Ava no longer feels like she is at the bottom of her class and also stated she was much quicker doing NAPLAN this year. Our Year 2 friends are also enjoying Mindplay. Willow likes the programme because it challenges her and says it, “… helps me to spell and write.” Ava added, “There are lots of different activities and if you get them wrong, you can learn from them. It teaches you about sounds and letters and how they go together so you get your spelling right in class.”

HELPING OUR STUDENTS BECOME CONFIDENT READERS Since the beginning of 2018, Somerset College has funded 20 Mindplay Virtual Reading Coach (MVRC) licenses for students who enjoy extra assistance in the area of literacy. Mindplay’s research-based teaching methods and innovative technology enable every learner to receive individualised instruction, in their area of need. Training the brain to decode the written word is done using a student-friendly technology based reading process. Skills are initially built in the areas of phonological awareness and phonics and once a student can demonstrate accurate decoding skills, they also receive lessons in vocabulary and grammar. Finally, MVRC delivers explicit fluency training to improve silent reading rate. Improvement in comprehension and fluency are simultaneous goals. Each student works toward 100 per cent mastery at his or her own pace.

Mindplay

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