Ontario Success Stories

I just wanted to let you know how well the Essential Skills computer programs work. I have been using the Super Phonics and Sight Words programs with my students. The grade one's, who are very needy, have been using Super Phonics. This program has been able to provide the children with the repetition that is required for these students. Most of these children have attention problems, but with this program they continue to work without distraction. In the Sight Words program the children are trying to remember how to spell. It is great to listen to them making up their own way to remember how to spell the words! They would not do this on their own if you gave them a list of words to study. The grade three's reading fluency has improved since they do not struggle over the sight words. This has also improved their self-confidence when reading.

C. Fox, Primary Special Education Teacher
Westminster Public School, Brockville, Ontario

Algonquin School is very happy with the Essential Skills Programs we've been using since February. The students I see for resource assistance are always so keen to join me in the computer lab to work on the Sight Words lists. They yell out to me with enthusiasm when all of their stars are complete and yellow.

Margot Snow, Special Education Resource Teacher
Ontario

Your programs are AWESOME! They are helping our students tremendously.

William Young, Teacher
Kern Avenue School, Ontario

The reading comprehension programs are excellent! The stories are very well written and the auditory cues guarantee success for early readers.

Gordon Muir, Grade 4 Teacher
Harrowsmith Elementary, Ontario

As a grade three teacher and a member of our district computer advisory committee, I have used Super Phonics extensively. It is an interesting, well designed program that I would recommend as a teaching or remedial tool.

Roy Evans,
Upper Canada District School Board, Ontario

We love the evaluation component of Essential Skills programs and use it for conferencing. The Assessment programs are a great way to do a controlled, authentic, whole class assessment. I am very fond of the Super Phonics and Reading Comprehension programs for early literacy learning. I get terrific feedback from my teachers and the kids never get bored with the wide variety of activities within the programs.

Jim Holstrom, Teacher/Network Manager
Burnt Elementary, Brampton, Ontario

Essential Skills software is a vital part of our programming for a wide range of student needs at varying ability levels. We use about eight programs every day. We have been using some of the older programs for almost 10 years. It is a great tool to use, even with the autistic kids. It allows for individualized and independent skills development. The older students who are working at a younger level can work at these programs without rejecting them as being babyish.

Debbie Moss, Special Education Teacher
Marshall Park PS, North Bay, Ontario

We use a variety of programs from Essential Skills. The students really enjoy them. The programs are bright, colorful, very appealing and make learning fun. They develop the students comprehension and word analysis skills and the students are applying their learning and transferring the skills back into the classroom.

Colleen Le Brun, Core Resource Teacher
Blessed John XXIII School, Markham, Ontario

I have been using Essential Skills three times a week for at least five years with my students. I love the programs because they are focused, with no nonsense, and cover the curriculum skills so thoroughly. The children love the variety of visual, auditory and tactile activities that the programs offer. They also enjoy being able to see their results at the end of each session. These programs are a great value and I recommend them to other teachers.

Jane Andree, Resource Teacher
Dunnville Christian School, Dunnville, Ontario

Your programs are excellent. I have used them consistently for many years. They keep track of student progress and provide immediate reward and feedback. The programs use a wide variety of multi sensory approaches and are excellent for students with learning difficulties. They provide excellent reinforcement to the skills taught in the classroom.

Rita Petrocco, Resource Teacher
Holy Cross School (Lighthouse School), Kemptville, Ontario