ELR Software produces a range of computer programs designed by speech pathologists for speech, language & literacy intervention. Our programs may be used interactively within therapy sessions, to increase efficiency in service delivery, and to improve access to the Internet for people with special needs. We are also available as consultants to clinicians and research projects in the fields of literacy and accessibility issues associated with the Internet.
The aim of this newsletter is to inform you of developments and changes to our major products eLr (Extra Language Resources), Build-a-Sentence, Word Meanings, Rude Readers and EIA (Enhancing Internet Access). We welcome the opportunity for feedback and questions, and will be pleased to consider including reader contributions and announcements.
This Newsletter (and previous editions) as well as a "print-ready" PDF version of the current edition is available online at www.elr.com.au/news. An email version is also sent monthly to members of our mailing list (See Subscribing/Unsubscribing).
In this issue -
There are 59 new tasks in "Phonology - Later Sounds" - "Phonemic awareness for this sound" in sub-sections for /f/, /v/, /s/ and /z/ sounds. We've previously done /k/ and /g/ and will work through more sounds over the next few months.
The tasks in these sub-sections provide materials to strengthen phonemic awareness with a focus on the particular sounds that the child makes errors on. This approach is supported by the research that has shown that children with speech sound disorders are at a higher risk of literacy difficulties. And that therapy that targets phonological and phonemic awareness for children with speech sound disorders is effective in improving the literacy outcomes for those children.
Ref: Gillon, G.T., "Follow-up study investigating the benefits of phonological awareness intervention for children with spoken language impairment", Int. J. Lang. Comm. Dis, 2002, Vol 37, No 4, 381-400.
In these subsections four models are used. Pic sound buttons encourages development of the ability to break words into sounds and increase knowledge of letter-sound relationships. The child names the pictures, sounds out the word, and then clicks on the buttons to check they have segmented the word correctly, and also to receive feedback about the spelling patterns of each sound. MultiPic Slideshow, provides material to encourage the child to identify which word starts or ends with the target sound. SpinPics and LadderPics provide a game format to also target the ability to identify the words that start or end with the target sound.
The role of the clinician or helper is critical in all of these tasks. The child usually requires modelling to teach the skills, and feedback about the accuracy of their response. It is also useful to expand on each activity, discuss the theme and embed the literacy skills within a richer oral language context.
A fix has been made to a "bug" in the "Wordgame builders" in "Activity Toolbox - Game generators" for the SmileyMan and LookThenCover models. An "error" message prevented typing into the text box. Thanks to the users who brought this to our attention.
As usual with such fixes, the online version of eLr at www.elr.com.au/elr.htm is correct for all subsequent use. eLr-Offline can only be fixed by installing the latest version (September 2011). This can either be from the latest CD (if you are a new user or receiving your 6-month update this month), or by using the "Check for updates" option on the "Help" menu within the program. Please contact us if you need more information about how to do this.
As an occasional feature of this Newsletter, we include simple, unpaid announcements of products developed by other small, independent developers, who, like ourselves, are practising clinicians who have put their ideas and experience into resource materials for general distribution. Links and brief information about these sites may be found at www.elr.com.au/links/developers.htm. To date we have listed -
If you would like your materials listed on this page (at no charge), please contact us.
ELR has a number of free or evaluation files available for downloading directly from our website. Please see www.elr.com.au/downloads.htm for specific details. For other supporting materials and documents available for free download, please see www.elr.com.au/support.htm.
ELR Software is now able to offer eLr support and short tutorials over the web. We can provide this sort of support to individuals, or to groups who would like to have an overview of eLr. Please contact us for details.
You are receiving ELR-News because you are an eLr subscriber, or have expressed an interest in either eLr, Rude Readers, Word Meanings, Build-s-Sentence or EIA. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an e-mail with details to news@elr.com.au
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