As a teacher employed in a Primary School, I support students who are experiencing learning difficulties, especially in reading. I have used the program Need4Reading for the past 3 years with at least 35 students aged between 7 to 11 years.

This is an excellent program, especially for students who have missed the basics of phonics in their earlier years and are able to revise their skills using a computer program. These students are also able to work at their own individual pace and levels independently and without feeling inadequate as a reader. When the program congratulates the students for achieving levels, it also promotes self-esteem in reading.

Phonics plays an important part in the development of reading skills and the Need4Reading certainly does this. It involves phonics including single sounds, blends and letter combinations in words.

By listening to, and watching the way sounds are pronounced on the video, this assists the students to improve phonological skills.

Need4Reading also helps students to improve immediate recognition of words, which is very important in improving fluency in reading.

I would highly recommend the program Need4Reading for all students to improve reading skills.

J. I. E.

Primary Teacher

20^th March 2006