The Rotary Club of Wellington is sponsoring a free, online reading program for children aged 4 to 12 as part of Rotary’s worldwide focus on improving literacy. (click on the icon at left to access the program).The program was developed by Essential Skills Software Inc. and is currently being used in more than 20,000 schools to provide individualized instruction. However, it can also be used by children in their own homes, without the need for school participation, so long as the child has a computer to use and access to the internet. Currently, more than 152,000 children are enrolled through 105 sponsoring Rotary clubs. Parents can help their children enroll in a free account by clicking on the icon above.
Once enrolled, children can participate in thousands of engaging activities that feel like play, but simultaneously improve their reading skills. The early stage of the program uses phonics to teach children as young as 4 to recognize the sounds in words. Older children can choose exercises that reinforce spelling, grammar and reading comprehension skills. Each child can progress at his or her own pace.
Parents have posted Facebook comments such as this: “My 7 yr old loves the word search and memory game,” and “My daughter loves this program.” Children do not need to reside in the Quinte area to participate in the program.
If parents have any further questions about the program, please contact the Wellington Rotary Club and ask for your message to be passed on to the Literacy Director.