Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Headsprout Early Reading better than other early reading programs designed for these same learners?

Question: 103 ( Return to School FAQs )

Headsprout Early Reading is research-based, guaranteed effective, and kids love it, too.
No other program has Headsprout’s level of research-based formative development— what that means for teachers is the assurance of effective instructional activities that have been proven, in the lab and in the classroom, to get more kids reading. In fact, 90% of students achieve 90% correct while progressing through the Early Reading sequence. Headsprout uses hundreds of instructional routines that immediately adapt to the needs of each learner. The program simultaneously assesses and addresses each student’s interaction, so the instruction is always individualized and at the right level, providing assistance where needed, and moving quickly through review and practice routines. Students are continually engaged with Headsprout, and often prefer its animated instruction over other computer-based programs.

Easy for students to use
With Headsprout Early Reading students use a mouse, not a keyboard. This provides ease of access which should be fundamental to all beginning reading programs. Many other programs require non-readers to type in a username and password to begin—Headsprout is different. With Headsprout, students simply “click” the mouse and begin. Another unique feature of Headsprout Early Reading is a “Getting Started” lesson for all students called Mousing Around.

Mousing Around is an example of Headsprout’s attention to “detail driven by research.” Mousing Around is designed to teach non-readers the language of instruction while providing practice in basic computer skills. Other programs assume the students come to school ready to learn with basic knowledge about print; for example, that there is a left-to-right orientation on every page. The Mousing Around program begins at the VERY beginning. We teach the language of instruction--left to right orientation, yes and no, true and false, top to bottom--all of the things most other programs take for granted. And, of course, all of this is done in a playful and imaginative way that captures student’s imagination.

Patented instructional technology
Headsprout Early Reading continues this level of “detail driven by research” in the design of the instructional components of the program. Headsprout's patented technology, Generative Learning(tm), adapts to the particular strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Within the first five sessions of Headsprout, students will be able to read a simple text. By the end of all 80 episodes, students will be reading 80 printed stories, including expository text and poetry, and sounding out new words and sentences with confidence and mastery. Your students will master the skills and strategies required and necessary to be successful and confident readers.

Benefits a variety of learners
Although Headsprout Early Reading has been designed for and tested with "typical" learners, teachers of students with reading delays or special needs have been pleased with the results they've seen. Much of the program's effectiveness depends on the special need or challenge, and the particular individual. Headsprout Early Reading has also been used to help some older struggling readers. Please feel free to contact one of the Headsprout Reading Specialists to find out if Headsprout is right for your particular students.

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Date last modified: 06/14/2005