Raising Confident Readers With Ooka Island
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Pssst! I have a little secret I want to share with you.
It isn't something I talk about often but you may be surprised to learn that English was never my forte. In fact, I struggled with it when I was very young, especially when it came to reading. I dreaded book reports. I cheated on reading based fundraisers. And I even rented movies and purchased Coles Notes based on books I was "reading" in high school, all to avoid having to read more than I had to. If I could go back in time and change one thing, it would be to motivate my younger self to read. Read. Read. And read some more. Decoding was never the issue. I mastered that at a very young age. It was comprehension and vocabulary. If only there were something that could have helped me surmount that obstacle when I needed it most. Something like Ooka Island.
If there is one thing I can attest to as a teacher and as a parent, it's that reading plays a crucial role in the life of a child, not just academically but in real-world experiences as well. This is why the sooner a child learns to read, the greater his or her successes will be in school and beyond. Unfortunately, I have witnessed first-hand how the opposite can have the adverse effect. With the latest advances in technology, however, there are many ways to motivate early readers. Today children can stream their favourite videos that teach phonics or play online games that help with phonemic awareness. They can even build their vocabulary through flashcard apps and entertaining songs. But how about learning all this and more in one easy-to-use program that personalizes learning based on the child's needs? And dare we add the fun factor? That's pretty much the premise behind Ooka Island, the "coolest reading app ever" according to my son.
For the past month, my son has been testing out the Ooka Island iPad app and having so much fun playing games and unlocking new books. He thoroughly enjoys riding the virtual train through the Cave of Sounds and finding hidden sounds with the magnifying tool. But more than that, he loves succeeding and being rewarded with new e-books. And that's what I love, too. Watching him as he takes on mini challenges while building his level of confidence. It melts my heart. Because there is very little that I want more than to raise children who love to read. I want them to open their minds to amazing adventures and to experience the joys of reading without having to struggle.
Disclosure: I am participating in the Ooka Island Blogger Program and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
20 COMMENTS
I learned to love reading when I saw my older sisters reading at home. It became a way for me to have an adventure or voyage into wonderful worlds without leaving the comfort of your home. Nowadays, I mostly read for health and also recipes that I incorporate into a meal plan or repertoire.
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me of those "choose your own adventure" books, which I loved because it meant I didn't have to read the whole book. LOL
DeleteOne of my daughters is an avid reader the other ones........not so much! This app sounds very interesting for a couple of my grandkids!
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter Name is Anne Taylor
I really wish I were more of an avid reader. I feel like I miss out on so much. So many great books to read!
DeleteGreat idea, reading is so very very important, it is the key to the world
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it better myself, Suzie! :)
DeleteMy girls are voracious readers but my boys not so much. I will look into this app as it might encourage my guys to work on their reading skills.
ReplyDeleteI hear that is often the case. Though my daughter was never very fond of reading. She definitely takes after me.
DeleteI have read some really good reviews of this app. Learning to enjoy reading is so important! (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteI agree. And turning it into a game makes it all the more appealing.
DeleteSounds like a great app - my kids are both great readers but I have a friend who's child would really benefit from it. Will pass on the recommendation - thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI have always loved reading and even today read every night in bed. If its a really good book I will end up enthralled til 2 or 3 in the morning. Only at my age I don't have to do it under the covers with a flashlight anymore.
ReplyDelete:) Thanks for the smile! I have a couple of books that I started reading... last spring! LOL Hopefully I can finish them during the holidays.
DeleteGrowing up I loved to read and I did so until I had my children and so it has been awhile. I am happy though that my kids enjoy reading now and it is nice to see. Reading is knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Angela. I only just read the Lemony Snicket Series of Unfortunate Events thanks to my daughter's interest. Good books!
DeleteI am loving this. What a great way to get kids reading. I really think my grandson would love this too.
ReplyDeleteRight? Don't tell my niece but she may be getting a subscription for Christmas...
DeleteI love this App! I agree that English, reading and even cursive writing should be enjoyable in school, so much so that it carries on in adulthood! Wait...you cheated? 😊
ReplyDeleteGah, doesn't that sound awful! All my friends had super long reading lists and I felt so embarrassed. I just wanted to be able to raise a couple of extra nickels. Is that so bad? ;)
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