A principal recently contacted me to ask for my advice on suitable software for 4th class pupils. I thought I would share my response on Anseo.net as it may help others in a similar situation. I was happy to see that this principal was still using a piece of software that I developed with Robbie O’Leary a few years ago. Below is my reply.
Note: My recommendations, I feel, would also be suitable for any class from 3rd class upwards.
I’m glad your children enjoyed “Who Nabbed Sam?” – it’s good to hear positive feedback. The other games in the series are “Who Stole Mona?” and “Who Took The Book?” I’d recommend the former – it’s a Europe-wide search for the culprit who stole the Mona Lisa.
To be honest I’m not a great fan of many pieces of Educational Software. I like the stuff that children can make themselves – Literacy Activity Builder (which allows them to make 9 types of word puzzles), Numeracy Activity Builder and (I believe) Science Activity Builder. If you have an Interactive Whiteboard, EasiTeach is a fantastic piece of software for developing lessons – you can even get accessories like Dance Mats. Even if you don’t have an Interactive Whiteboard, it’s worth checking this out. Another set of software that can be excellent is the 2Simple range – try before you buy as some of it isn’t great.
Aside from the above, it’s difficult to beat the traditional SEN software – Word/Numbershark are unbeatable for reading/maths. Clicker is great for making electronic books.
Also check out the Internet for online educational games. I always have www.multiplication.com available for times when tables need to be practiced. At the moment, children are using stardoll.com in Gaeilge, which is a virtual dress-up doll web-site. The children are dressing their favourite celebrities and describing what they are wearing as Gaeilge. (I hadn’t known the term “folt bréige” before they started!)
Last Update: August 9, 2017