Macmillan Talking Stories

an innovative computer-based learning experience, developing reading skills and computer skills in children from Grades 1 to 3, creating independent readers who LOVE reading.

This is Nwabisa, in Grade 1 at Bridgeville Primary School.

This is Nwabisa at home.

Nwabisa wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Nwabisa’s reading score has improved by 20% since she started using the Macmillan Talking Stories twelve weeks ago.

Macmillan Talking Stories

64 stories, each in three languages

a range of genres: fiction

non-fiction

poetry

3 levels Level 1 Level 3 Level 2

Level 1 Core

Level 1 Beginner

Level 1 Intermediate

Level 1 advanced

Level 2 Core

Level 2 Beginner

Level 2 Intermediate

Level 2 advanced

Level 3 Core

Level 3 Beginner

Level 3 Intermediate

Level 3 advanced

fun learning activities

child-friendly menus and navigation

Level 1 highlighting of each word as it is spoken

voice support for every instruction

simple drag and drop answering

supported typing of text

visual clues

interactive games and quizzes for pairs

immediate marking

wrong answer prompts

animated rewards

printable worksheets

printable lists of high frequency words

printable games

printable projects

printable puzzles

educator’s guides

index: linked to every assessment standard

Pilot testing: Bridgeville Primary School 8 March to 31 May 2007 Progress in reading skills: Control group – Talking Stories group - 16% 34% Progress of the Talking Stories group was 113% better than the control group!

Broad-based evaluation: 2000 learners in 26 schools January to June 2008 Progress in reading skills: Control group – Talking Stories group - 27% 47% Progress of the Talking Stories group was 74% better than the control group!