Decoding Words
Our English language can be very complicated for a new and/or struggling reader. There are so many different spelling and sound patterns therefore making it challenging to remember them all and use them in context. If a student struggles with reading and comes upon a word he/she does not know, the option he/she chooses is usually to give up or say “I don’t know”. Decoding is the fundamental foundation for reading printed text. When a student is unable to decode, he/she is unable to read fluently, build vocabulary, and begin to comprehend text.
Literacy Solution: Starfall
What is Starfall?
Starfall is an online phonics based learning tool. Students can practice their ABCs, learn to put sounds together to make words, and begin reading stories on their own. This site also offers opportunities to print off worksheets for extra practice in the classroom. Starfall targets students from Pre-Kindergarten through second grade and is great for special education and English Language Learners.
How can Starfall be used?
In a kindergarten and first grade classroom, Starfall could be used as a whole class phonics lesson. With the use of a projector or SmartBoard, students can interact with the software as a class. Starfall could be used as a center activity especially in a Daily 5 classroom for working with words or in a listening center. There are also printable worksheets for lesson reinforcement or to be sent home for homework.
What does research say?
According to research conducted by Kirsten Parra, the major components of technology for assisting learning are “providing a non-threatening environment, providing motivation and stimulus, providing immediate feedback, aiding in comprehension, and aiding in reading fluency” (2010, p. 7) Online programs provide a supplemental approach to phonics and aid in the literacy difficulties of most students. “Starfall.com provides a non-threatening environment allowing students to work at their own proficiency level and giving them the self-confidence to take risks while learning.” (Parra, p. 53)
A study was produced using the Roaring Fork School District on the Starfall Kindergarten curriculum. Based on their surveys from teachers and administrators, they found that the overall implementation of the curriculum was helpful and would recommend it to other teachers. The student achievement test data showed a significant increase in scores compared to students not using the program. “By the end of the school year, teachers and school administrators believed that their kindergarteners had improved their reading skills, motivation to learn, engagement and interest in school and overall academic achievement because of their exposure to the Starfall curriculum.” (Metis Associates, 2014, p. 20)
Resources:
Parra, K. (2010). Developing literacy in young english language learners through the use of technology. (Order No. 1486617, State University of New York Empire State College). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 170. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview /759082831?accountid=12598. (759082831).
Metis Associates (2014). Evaluation of the starfall kindergarten curriculum in roaring fork school district. New York, New York. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web& cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmore.starfall.com%2Fdownloads%2FK- StarfallEvaluationReport.php&ei=GObSU9XMHsONyATP04KACg& usg=AFQjCNFg6mx0oXRW23zRWYvnq1L7nG2eww&sig2=EbDfR_lOOFUjW6FApGOYOA& bvm=bv.71778758,d.aWw
Literacy Solution: Starfall
What is Starfall?
Starfall is an online phonics based learning tool. Students can practice their ABCs, learn to put sounds together to make words, and begin reading stories on their own. This site also offers opportunities to print off worksheets for extra practice in the classroom. Starfall targets students from Pre-Kindergarten through second grade and is great for special education and English Language Learners.
How can Starfall be used?
In a kindergarten and first grade classroom, Starfall could be used as a whole class phonics lesson. With the use of a projector or SmartBoard, students can interact with the software as a class. Starfall could be used as a center activity especially in a Daily 5 classroom for working with words or in a listening center. There are also printable worksheets for lesson reinforcement or to be sent home for homework.
What does research say?
According to research conducted by Kirsten Parra, the major components of technology for assisting learning are “providing a non-threatening environment, providing motivation and stimulus, providing immediate feedback, aiding in comprehension, and aiding in reading fluency” (2010, p. 7) Online programs provide a supplemental approach to phonics and aid in the literacy difficulties of most students. “Starfall.com provides a non-threatening environment allowing students to work at their own proficiency level and giving them the self-confidence to take risks while learning.” (Parra, p. 53)
A study was produced using the Roaring Fork School District on the Starfall Kindergarten curriculum. Based on their surveys from teachers and administrators, they found that the overall implementation of the curriculum was helpful and would recommend it to other teachers. The student achievement test data showed a significant increase in scores compared to students not using the program. “By the end of the school year, teachers and school administrators believed that their kindergarteners had improved their reading skills, motivation to learn, engagement and interest in school and overall academic achievement because of their exposure to the Starfall curriculum.” (Metis Associates, 2014, p. 20)
Resources:
Parra, K. (2010). Developing literacy in young english language learners through the use of technology. (Order No. 1486617, State University of New York Empire State College). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 170. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview /759082831?accountid=12598. (759082831).
Metis Associates (2014). Evaluation of the starfall kindergarten curriculum in roaring fork school district. New York, New York. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web& cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmore.starfall.com%2Fdownloads%2FK- StarfallEvaluationReport.php&ei=GObSU9XMHsONyATP04KACg& usg=AFQjCNFg6mx0oXRW23zRWYvnq1L7nG2eww&sig2=EbDfR_lOOFUjW6FApGOYOA& bvm=bv.71778758,d.aWw