This drill and practice program teaches students phonics and phonological awareness through a friendly and patient on-screen tutor named Simon. Simon instructs students on letter sounds and helps students to use these sounds to construct words. These words are then given context through their use in pictures and animations. Colorful graphics, sound, and animations entertain and encourage students as they complete the activities. The program features 31 levels based on different word families and allows students to move at their own pace.
Teachers can track and record student progress.
Judges with the Technology and Learning Software Awards note that this would be an excellent product to use with young ESL students. A reviewer with MultiMedia Schools liked the Teacher Options Dialog which allows teachers to enter student names, select starting levels for each student and make other modifications. Out could be used with anyone of any age who needs to learn the sounds and how to blend them. Additionally, this program can be used with special keyboard and attachments for physically handicapped students.