Tristan also had shown that he liked working on the computer. Thus, for spelling sentences, I had him use SimpleText, the word-processing program found on later model Macintosh computers. He was excited when I showed him how to highlight the words he had typed and then command the computer to speak. I later introduced him to another program, Simon Spells, which can also be ordered from Don Johnston . This spelling program uses 1,000 Dolch sight words that can be sounded out through a speaking tutor.
Student can choose a male or a female voice.
The program shows the word, asks the student to type the word as the visual cue fades, provides reinforcing comments, and has the student use each word in a sentence. To keep Tristan's use of auditory devices from distracting other students, he uses headphones all of the items he uses. Time and Help Homework Wiz, SimpleText, Simon Spells, and the prerecorded stories require little teacher-preparation time, but tape recording the social studies lessons does. I overcame this obstacle partly by finding creative solutions. I have had a parent volunteer take books home and record them.