Early Reading
Early Reading is an educational software title created by Scott Foresman and Company for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer systems. It was released in 1980, soon after the release of the TI-99/4 home computer, being one of the first title for the system. Early Reading was a software title that was able to take advantage of the Speech Synthesizer to enhance the learning capabilities of the software.
| Early Reading | |
|---|---|
 Early Reading (Front Cover) | |
| Publisher(s) | Scott Foresman |
| Programmer(s) | unknown |
| Part# | PHM 3015 |
| Format(s) | Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module |
| Release | 1980 |
| Genre(s) | Educational, Reading |
Contents
Advertising Blurb
Front Cover of Manual
Engaging color graphics and computer speech introduce and reinforce important reading skills. Hours of fun and valuable learning experience for beginning readers.
Back Cover of Manual
For a child, learning to read is a magic key that opens doors to adventure and excitement, knowledge and ideas. The Early Readying Command Module combines computer speech, color graphics and enriching activities to give your child a positive and enjoyable experience in learning to read. With this module, Texas Instruments is continuing its tradition of applying innovative Solide State SpeechTM technology to educational activities. The module and the Texas Instruments Solid State SpeechTM Synthesizer provide your computer with a voice that gives directions, introduces new words, reads sentences, and encourages your child to read aloud.
Early Reading module activities include:
- Pick A Picture - Contains nine sections that introduce the module vocabulary to form short stories.
- Pick A Word - Reinforces the vocabulary introduced in Pick A Picture. The game-like format presents sentences, one at a time, that can be completed by selecting the correct word.
- Make A Story - Consists of new stories formed from the module vocabulary. The child makes word choices that determine how the story develops.
By hearing and seeing the words, and by responding to the spoken direction, your child can learn to value and enjoy the reading experience.
Manual
A Note to Parents
Learning to read is a major milestone in a child's life. The excitement and pride of a child who is learning to unlock the "mysteries" of written words are contagious, bringing pleasure to parents, teachers, and friends who share this new experience.
The Early Reading Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module is specially designed with speech capabilities and color graphics to help your child enjoy the fun and challenge of learning to read. It was developed by the educational staff of Scott, Foresman and Company in cooperation with the staff of the Texas Instruments Learning Center. Scott, Foresman and Company is a leading educational publisher, long associated with excellence in the field of reading.
With this module, Texas Instruments is continuing its tradition of applying innovative Solid State Speech TM technology to educational activities. The module and the Texas Instruments Solid State SpeechTM Synthesizer (which must be attached to the Home Computer when you're using this module) give a voice to your computer. The voice gives directions, introduces new words, reads the sentences, and encourages your child to read the sentences aloud. Your child hears and sees the words, and then responds by reading aloud and by pressing the appropriate computer keys. In this way your child can become totally involved in the learning experience.
For the most part, your child will be able to work through the activities on his or her own, with perhaps a little help from you in getting started. By all means, do get involved. The first time, you will probably want to work along with your child. Children usually enjoy demonstrating their achievements, so encourage your child to read to you, and offer patient help if necessary. Your praise and support are the best rewards your child can receive.
Early Reading Module Vocabulary
The Early Reading Command Module uses a controlled vocabulary and frequent repetition to help your child recognize words on sight. Approximately six new words are introduced in each of the nine Pick A Picture stories. These same words are reinforced in sentences and stories in all of the other module activities.
Other frequently used words are also in the module. These words are:
| a | can | on |
| and | has | the |
| are | in | they |
| at | is | to |
| too |
If your child is not already familiar with these words, you can easily help him or her learn them, either before using the module or when the words are on the screen. Print each word on an unruled index card. Show each word, one at a time. Say the word, and let your child repeat the word. Do this several times until your child begins to recognize most of the words. Then show each card to your child, and have the child tell you the word. Continue practicing until your child knows the words. While working through the module activities, you can point out these words on the screen and repeat them for the child when necessary.
See the Appendix for a complete list of the vocabulary introduced in the module activities.
Early Reading Activities
The three sections of the Early Reading module are designed to give your child a positive and enjoyable experience in learning to read. The skills and vocabulary introduced in the first activity provide a foundation for the other sections of the module, so your child should work through Pick A Picture before going on to the other activities.
Pick A Picture
This section is divided into nine stories. Approximately six new sight words are introduced in each story. New words are introduced in a variety of ways and visually reinforced with appropriate pictures. The words are then used in sentences. The computer speaks each word and sentence for the child, asks the child to read the word or sentence, and instructs the child to find selected words within the sentence. The sentences are combined to form a short story, and the computer voice encourages the child to read the story aloud. Throughout each activity, colorful graphics illustrate the word or sentence shown on the screen.
Pick A Word
This activity reinforces the vocabulary introduced in Pick A Picture. One sentence at a time is displayed on the screen. Word recognition and comprehension skills are developed as your child selects a word - from three choices - to complete the sentence. Sentences are selected at random from the computer's memory, so a child can select this activity many times and continue to see new sentences. The computer gives praise for correct answers and encouragement to "try again" for incorrect responses. After ten sentences, a reward screen shows your child how he or she is doing.
Make A Story
This section consists of new stories formed from the vocabulary introduced in Pick A Picture and practiced in Pick A Word. The stories all begin in the same way, but throughout the activity, your child is given word choices which determine how the story develops. These choices lead to eight possible story endings. Simple comprehension questions follow each story.
