Young or At-risk Readers Literacy Development Aids Help Students Learn Vocabulary

Literacy is vital-yet is not adequately developed. The National Center of Education Statistics states only three to five percent of working adults perform at the highest rate of literacy; engaging young readers is key to their development.

However, there are many new, innovative ways to engage young, at-risk, or ESL readers to learn the basics of phonics, vocabulary and comprehension. Multimedia equipment is a great way to help teach children these basics of reading in a fun way. Califone, in particular, is a company that provides fun products that are education-focused, rather than other products which may be more suitable for adults.

Supplementing curriculum with learning centers can give students the opportunity to build reading skills outside the lesson plans. A Califone listening center is a digital device, like a video game, that teaches key vocabulary terms and provides pictures, without dependency on a computer by using cartridges. A listening center like this provides reading practice that students need, without having to team up a parent or aide with every student.

"The problem of so many students not learning to read during their critical early years is a national issue, affecting every school and community," said Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing for Califone. "Since the form factor of the AV Tutor resembles already familiar consumer devices, its familiarity will encourage its acceptance and use by students, engaging them while helping to develop phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension."

Listening centers offer students the freedom to work independently, as it offers interactive lessons that check progress, allowing students to progress to the next level only after answering the current question correctly. The "kid-focused" animation and video game-like controls bring fun to this learning process.

There are seven vocabulary areas for the Califone Listening center, including Picture Words, Phonics, Readiness, Everyday Words #1, Survival Signs, Play Ball and Basic Vocabulary, used in most elementary school classrooms. The system is designed for small hands, and is built to sustain the wear and tear of a classroom.

McDonald's & Company provide top quality classroom furniture, school furniture, and office furniture. Browse their site to see top quality products like the Copernicus teaching easel, several types of learning carpet, and products from Califone, including the famous Califone record player. To learn more, visit the McDonald's Direct website at http://www.mcdonaldsdirect.com.

About The Author Carolyn Ademus is a contributor for McDonald's and Co.