ESL Reading Smart

ESL Reading Smart ESL Reading Smart is a multicultural literature-based Web site designed to provide supplementary reading materials for the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. ESL Reading Smart also provides online lesson plans and activities to accompany the readings. ESL Reading Smart is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Sunshine Standards for Language Arts, and Teachers of Other Languages (TESOL) international ESL/ESOL goals. ESL Reading Smart is already part of the most innovative ESL classrooms in Texas, Arizona, Florida, New York, and North Carolina. Licensed on a yearly basis, pricing is tailored for your district, campus, or classroom.   Overview  |  About ESL Reading Smart   |  Content Structure and Use  | Advisory Board  |  Teacher Comments   | Screen Shots  |  System Requirements |  Pricing

Overview

About ESL Reading Smart

ESL Reading Smart is a multicultural literature-based Web site designed to provide supplementary reading materials for the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. ESL Reading Smart also provides online lesson plans and activities to accompany the readings.

ESL Reading Smart content is designed to:

• Integrate Language Arts and ESL objectives in lessons and activities.

• Integrate reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

• Allow learners to connect prior knowledge and experience to new learning situations.

• Build learners’ background knowledge in several content areas.

• Foster understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures.

• Target Learners

The target learners for ESL Reading Smart are ESL students from fifth to tenth grade who are reading at the beginning (ESL Level I), intermediate (ESL Level II) and advanced level (ESL Level III). Given the multicultural component of ESL Readingsmart, the site is also suitable for Language Arts teachers and students.

ESLreadingsmart is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Sunshine Standards for Language Arts, and Teachers of Other Languages (TESOL) international ESL/ESOL goals.

ESL Reading Smart is already part of the most innovative ESL classrooms in Texas, Arizona, Florida, New York, and North Carolina. Licensed on a yearly basis, pricing is tailored for your district, campus, or classroom.

ESL Reading Smart Content Structure and Use

ESL Reading Smart's content consists of a wide selection of readings presented within a rich, integrated, and interactive learning environment. The ESL Reading Smart program organizes content into four major sections, which include:

• Myths and Legends

• Biographies

• Poetry

• Short Stories

Each major literature section includes reading selections from different regions and cultural traditions.

Classroom Use

ESL Reading Smart content is designed to be used by the teacher in the ESL classroom. A Teacher’s section containing lesson plans, activities, teacher reference sheets, Web resources, and printable materials is available online.

From each reading, learners can link to related stories, articles, vocabulary and comprehension activities and relevant Web sites. Vocabulary support, in the form of “pop-up” definitions, is available to users as they read online. Vocabulary support is also provided through context, related readings, and extra-linguistic devices such as graphics and sound. Teachers can track learners’ performance through online reports.

Independent Reading

ESL Reading Smart allows learners to read independently online. English Learners (EL) are free to explore the Web site and choose their own readings and learning paths.

Advisory Board

Ann Hilborn, reading specialist and former ESL Coordinator,
Houston Independent School District.
Dr. Beatriz González Stephan,
Lee Hagemail Endowment Chair, Rice University. Houston.
Ms. Cynthia Greenwood, writer and former English high-school teacher.
Dr. Nicolás Kanellos,
Brown Foundation Professor, Director of the research project Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Heritage. University of Houston.
Architect Martin Loperena, President,
Alloy Multimedia, Latin American office.
Mr. Carlos López, Director,
International Trade Center, Small Business Development Center, University of Houston.
Ms. Carol Pianzola, writer and instructional designer.
Former ESL teacher, San Elizario School District. ESL teacher at the Houston Community College (HCC).
Producers

ESL Reading Smart has been produced by Alloy Multimedia Inc, an international software developer and publisher. Building on years of expertise as an educational content provider, ESL Reading Smart has been designed by an experienced team of professionals that includes educators, reading specialists, ESL teachers, instructional designers and Web developers.

Teacher Comments

"I am an ESL level 1 teacher and it has been very difficult to find reading materials that would interest a teen or preteen student. I have been able to preview ESL Reading Smart and I am very excited about using it with my classes."

Judy Ridenour, ESL Teacher, ISD, Texas

"One of the challenges for a language teacher is accessibility to materials with a fresh and multicultural perspective. These readings and activities are rich and meaningful and provide ample opportunity for student success."

Rickey Pollard Høiass, ESL Teacher, Copenhangen, Denmark

"One great feature of the program is the ability to have all students online, or if the computer lab is not available, I can use the program myself to print off materials to hand out to students. The program is very versatile."

Debbie Stewart, ESL Teacher, ISD, Texas

Screen Shots

System requirements

Platform: MAC/ Windows

System Requirements: Minimum RAM: 32 MB, HD space: 5-10 MB free, Processor Speed: 200 MHz - Pentium I, Internet Connection

PC Software Requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or above,Macromedia Flash 6.0 Internet Plug-in, Media player 6.4 (PC) or above, On Windows: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above

MAC Software Requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or above, Macromedia Flash 6.0, Internet Plug-in, Media player 7.1- Internet Exploer 5.2.3 or above, Firefox 1.0.7

Network recommendations:
Open Protocols & Ports for the following:
MMS:// - Port 1755 (TCP&UDP)
HTTP:// - Port 80 (TCP&UDP)

Pricing for ESL Reading Smart

ESLreadingsmart is an Internet-based program - an Internet connection is required for full access to the program.

Title	ISBN	Media Type	Part #	Price	Purchase Online
ESL ReadingSmart Annual License -- Up to 25 Users	N/A	No Media Type	#8595	$1000.00

ESL ReadingSmart Annual License -- Up to 70 Users

N/A

No Media Type

#7533

$2450.00

ESL ReadingSmart Annual License -- Up to 125 Users

N/A

No Media Type

#7534

$3750.00

ESL ReadingSmart Annual License -- Up to 175 Users

N/A

No Media Type

#7535

$4375.00

ESL ReadingSmart Annual License -- Up to 275 Users

N/A

No Media Type

#7536

$5500.00

A 300+ District License is available upon request, please contact us for pricing information.