StudyDog is a comprehensive online learn-to-read program which just today launched a new website. Although the materials have been successfully used by over 3000 public schools, it has not been available to homeschoolers until now. Developed with the needs of pre-K to 2nd grade students in mind, StudyDog covers all of the tools and sequential skills needed for developing proficient readers
One Phoenix homeschool mom reviewed some of the pre-K lessons with her 19-month-old granddaughter:
My granddaughter likes books, but she won't sit still for more than a few minutes so I can read to her. I introduced her to StudyDog. She was captivated by the colorful animations and graphics. We first did the alphabet and letter recognition in which the letters are matched with corresponding blocks or balloons. After each set, she used her words and sign language to tell me, "More! More!". We played the games for at least half an hour, and could have gone on much longer. Today, we worked on the same lessons, and she could not get enough, even choosing to play again as her reward for going potty. Great job, StudyDog!
The art of reading is almost taken for granted once the skill has been learned. However, some homeschoolers find the teaching of reading to be a head-scratcher until the steps are broken down into manageable pieces. StudyDog Learning’s Adventures in Reading provides an online tool, aligned with the Arizona state standards, which makes learning to read a delightful, interactive game.
StudyDog was formed in 2002 with the mission focus to help every young reader no matter what their financial means. We achieve this by providing a world-class reading program, using a socially responsible business-philanthropy model, that is leveraged with technology.
Any parents, including homeschoolers, can check out some free demonstrations of the StudyDog program materials, or a free two-week trial which can be accessed online. Lessons begin with an assessment of the child's reading skills and constantly customize the program to align with the student's progress.
Deme Clainos, founder of StudyDog, gives the following overview:
During the lessons, the child receives an online pretest that determines where the child should be placed in the curriculum and an individualized reading program is created on-the-fly specific to that child. Then the instruction begins.As the child progresses thru the lessons, she/he receives a blend of new instructional material and practice lessons, all designed to build strong reading skills necessary for reading. In addition to developing reading skills, StudyDog covers all five of the fundamental phases of reading instruction: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension. StudyDog is always measuring a student’s performance and, hence, knows when a child starts to struggle. From there, the program automatically alters and increases the instruction to restore that child to a mastery level.
Although the materials are divided up into age groups, all the lessons are included with the purchase price, so children can advance at their own rate. Since the lessons are sequential and customized, each child needs to have his or her own online access. StudyDog may become a great component of the learn-to-read toolbox for homeschoolers. For more information, contact the company by email, customersupport@studydog.com.
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