Likes and dislikes please. Our principal really likes the program and saw it in action. She has a rep coming.
I took a look at the publisher's website, and for what it's worth, I'm skeptical. I always advocate for money to be spent on engaging texts for students to read and I'll stick to the tried and true models like guided reading, reading workshop and writer's workshop. From the website, "After Superkids, third-graders can read on grade level with accuracy, fluency, and understanding in any reading program." -- My goal isn't to set my students up for success in another reading program. I want them to love reading and see themselves as readers. I'll be interested to hear from teachers who are using this program and can provide more detail. Your principal obviously saw something that sparked her interest.
I use the SuperKids Reading program in kindergarten. I absolutely love it....and let me tell you I'm not an easy sell. I love that it is developmentally appropriate for my students. It doesn't try to introduce 7 "high frequency" words a week. It also doesn't try to teach prepositions in November...things my last reading program thought were appropriate for kindergarteners. The writing piece is developmentally appropriate - it starts with picture writing, labeling, your own spelling/inventive spelling, and ends with complete sentences. There is a listening component - something my dear kiddos struggle with and I'm glad is incorporated into this program. We practice handwriting daily as well as phonemic awareness and phonics. My students absolutely LOVE the Superkid characters - which I was quite skeptical about when this program was pitched. Now, when we learn about odd animals my students say things like "I think Oswald would love to read this book." Or if something breaks in our room, "Where's Doc when we need her." Do you have specific questions? I'll be happy to answer them!
We have a rep coming Nov 28 so maybe after then. I'm concerned about the tech aspects. The districts we have been communicating with are using a lot of the tech components and LOVING Super Kids. My principal wants more tech based yet our district is well behind in devices and the building is not accepting wifi well. We share a computer lab for 12 classrooms plus all specials and titles plus 4 mini ipads per classroom that are at least 5 years old.
I have a pc that is a few years old and a projector. There is a good deal of web based lesson parts but you can use the program without if your internet goes out like ours tends to do. My school also has 4 iPads in the classroom - well we have a cart to share and I usually borrow 4. The iPads are at least 4 years old. We use them for assessment mostly and as the year goes on to reread their library books and complete fun activities/games on the Superkids app.
Well we purchased it and I have not even started but...I LOVE IT so far. Seems to cover it all, easy to follow, tech friendly, etc. Hoping the kids like it.
