WordMaker

WordMaker draws on Dr. Cunningham’s research, classroom experience and successful approach to teaching systematic phonics and spelling. The program provides phonics, phonemic-awareness, spelling activities, individualised instruction and extended practice for students who struggle or need computer access.

**Benefits for Students**


 * Increase decoding skills by manipulating letters, onsets and rhymes to learn new patterns in meaningful contexts
 * Learn phonetically irregular words, or sight words, through word walls
 * Are challenged with unknown words to prove they can transfer new learning

**Benefits for Teachers**


 * Provide independent practice to further enhance instruction
 * Built-in data collection drives formative assessment and decisions about instruction and intervention
 * Use formative assessment tools to support multi-tiered intervention
 * Provide students with physical disabilities access to grade-level phonics instruction and practice

WordMaker is a useful resource as it provides an engaging format that support students with special needs. The repetitive practice supports students who struggle with phonics and spelling. As a teacher I would use WordMarker with younger primary students who have difficulties spelling, phonics and word formation. However, this resource would also be good for teaching students where English isn't their second language for all ages as the program caters for students beginning to understand phonics and spelling. This resource would also be great for younger children with autism as it is incorportating technology into learning spelling and phonics using the computer. One of the benefits of Wordmaker is that students can access this program at home and practice outside of school without a teacher or parents.

Reference: [] (Retrieved 6/7/11) http://www.donjohnston.com/products/word_maker/index.html (Retrieved 6/7/11)