Alive or not

Make two lists of things that are alive then things that are not. Each cell sends the picture and word followed by a tab. Other children may be able to type their own suggestions. A template for this is available to make similar activities on alternative topics.

Build Sentence

This sequence enables a child to correctly build 4 sentences. It is only possible to click on a correct word at each stage of the sentence. Gives a structured approach to sentence construction.

Colours

Simple colour recognition, making sentences. Although an incorrect sentence can be written, the program will only advance to the next sentence if the correct alternative is chosen.

Diary

Two grids to write about regular daily activities. A template is provided that has the second page empty, ready to add your own choices.

Egyptian sentences

A text grid building simple sentences about the Egyptians. These facts are taken from the History Topic book made for Communicate: In Print. The sentences are in two parts. Choose the correct sentence end. Click on the picture to add an illustration for each line.

Getting started 1

This is the completed example from the Getting Started Help Sheet 1. This is a simple single grid on the theme of holidays, with the addition of ‘Return’ and ‘Delete’ cells.

Getting started 2

This is the completed example from the Getting Started Help Sheet 2. This has a short sequence of grids with sentence components about things you might take on holiday or a day out.

Getting started 4

This is the completed example from the Getting Started Help Sheet 4. This is an environment for writing in text. The word banks are there for stimulating writing from the keyboard. It does not include general vocabulary that the pupils may be familiar with. The words are structured into Nouns, Verbs and Adjectives, and there is a grid for pictures. A blank template of this called ‘Text nouns and verbs etc’ is also provided for creating your own topic banks.

Making tea

A Step-through sequence of instructions for making a cup of tea. The page turn buttons give simple navigation and a speaker button to listen to each sentence.

Myself

Write some simple sentences about myself, my family and my preferences. 10 grids give access to a series of sentence options. Speech is not built into this environment, but you can set the Speech menu to speak after sentence if required.

Story – Billy Goats Gruff

This is a long story and takes a few moments to load. This has a simple navigation and speaker grid. This is saved with the document in landscape, running in Print View so that each page shows separately, rather than as a scrolling document.

Templates for making your own step through material are provided. These are not really designed as talking story environments, but are more suitable for giving instructions. A full talking story module is planned for later.

Visual timetable

This environment is particularly suitable for whiteboard use. Choose the day, the main activities for the morning and then for the afternoon, separated by ‘Dinner time’ and ending with ‘Home time’.

What I like best

Gathering opinions is important. This example environment asks about a user’s preferences. It can be edited and saved under a new name with different choices for different users.

Where do they grow

Identifying where different vegetables and fruit grow: under ground, above the ground and on trees.