LeapFrog Schoolhouse™
Phonemic Awareness Series
What it is: Interactive LeapPad® book series for phonemic awareness skills.
What teachers said: “Fantastic, fun, engaging. Reinforces reading skills.”
LeapFrog Schoolhouse; www.leapfrogschoolhouse.com; Gr. PreK-1; $165/set.
 
 
Apple iSight
What it is: A digital, computer-top video camera with microphone.
Why we like it: We loved the plug and play connectivity, its quick set up, and ease of use.
Apple; www.apple.com; Gr. 1-12. $149.
 

Skill Detective™
What it is: Comprehensive assessment software.
What teachers said: “Appealing to students. Tied to national standards. Easy to use. A valuable tool.”
Riverdeep; www.riverdeep.com; Gr. 3-5; $99.
 
 
K-2 Learning Milestones™
What it is: An interactive Internet workbook series for teaching and reviewing language arts and math.
What teachers said: “Clever! Good for independent practice. Includes clear prompts for children.”
Achievement Technologies; www.achievementtech.com; K-2; $995/1-year subscription or $1395 CD-ROM set.
 

Speaking Homework Wiz®
What it is: A talking, kid-friendly electronic spelling corrector and dictionary.
What teachers said: “Great for those with low phonemic awareness, poor spellers, and kids who need a dictionary. Very practical.”
Franklin Electronic Publishers; www.franklin.com; Gr. 3-8; $49.95.
 
 
Encarta® Reference Library
What it is: A cross-curricular computer reference library, including learning tools, activities, and a bonus DVD featuring 20 Discovery Channel programs.
What teachers said: “An outstanding computer reference library. So much material at the click of a mouse!”
Microsoft; www.microsoft.com/products/encarta/default.asp; Gr. 1-12; $99.95.
 
 
Kidspiration® Resource Kit
What it is: A complete activity resource kit to support Inspiration's acclaimed Kidspiration® software.
What teachers said: “Excellent! Nice program, with good creative activities.”
Teacher Created Materials; www.teachercreated.com; Gr. K-5; $295.
(Inspiration Software available at www.kidspiration.com; $99/teacher set.)
 
 
Epson CX-5200®
What it is: Multi-use scanner, color printer, and computer-free copier.
Why we like it: Great quality, high-resolution printing for an affordable price; very easy to set up and use.
Epson; www.epson.com; $149.
 
 
HP 9S Calculator
What it is: A scientific calculator with memory functions. Includes metric conversions!
What teachers said: “Data editing is excellent. Straightforward and useful. All functions are accessible on the keypad without a menu, which helps in the classroom by keeping kids focused. Appealing.”
Hewlett-Packard; www.hp.com/calculators; Gr. 7-12; $14.99.
 


These reviews were originally published in the October 2003 issue of Instructor.
 
Back to Teacher Raves 2003 main page.