[Ellie's Mom]

Does anyone use this in first grade? Does is cover more than math? Is it possible to 'cheat' in the at home component? Bottom line, does it work and is it worth the expense? Thanks for any discussion on this. We're looking at it and I need some input.

[PAJess888]

I've never used it in first grade, but as a third grade teacher I've used it. You have an option as to what subjects you want to cover, at one point we had reading, math, writing, and science.

Personally, as far as computer programs though I like Perscriptive Instruction much better. It's not that study island is bad, there's really no way to cheat, and the kids like the games, but perscriptive instruction assesses and works on the student's level and study island does not. Perscriptive instruction also has a much stronger lesson component that is presented as a "game" and the kids love it! Study island, the lessons are just like something you might find on Triple A Math - written instructions, perscritive instruction is much more animated an kid friendly.

[Ellie's Mom]

Thanks for that information. I'll check it out and present it to the committee.

[thechangingta]

on Prescriptive Instruction. My principal just asked me to find something for my K-1 class similar to the Study Island program we use for grades 2-5.

Does Study Island work for K-1?

What are the costs of Prescriptive Instruction on a classroom by classroom basis? We only have 18 students in K-1.

[tripteach]

I will just add my 2 cents or so here. Our district had study island for 3 years and I disliked it strongly in third grade. It is really just answering questions on the computer instead of doing them on a piece of paper. If the kids are playing the games then all their attention goes to the graphics of the computer game and the playing and none to the actual concept. I totally felt it was not worth it.

I prefer the games from edm on cd that our district bought last year.

[DonnaBag]

We used it as reinforcement in the after school program. The kids were more interested in the games and I don't believe they really paid attention or retained any of the concepts. They just wanted to play the games, so I would have them reach a level of proficiency before they could use the games. I still felt something was missing. A great reading site for First grade is Starfall.