Lexia Offers New ESL Software

Lexia Learning Systems recently introduced reading software to help Spanish-speaking five- to eight-year-olds read in English. Lexia Phonics Based Reading with Spanish Directions offers all audio instruction and feedback in Spanish, a teaching approach that works well because students hear and read lessons in their native language, says the Lexington, MA–based company.

The English as a Second Language software initially familiarizes students with phonemes, or sounds of the English language, before introducing them to the letters of the alphabet. Students are typically taught to read English in the reverse order. Lexia also allows kids to practice their skills in reading and identifying letters and sounds, says Jonathan Bower, Lexia's president and CEO. Educators can assess student progress and generate reports showing where they need more instruction.

Rosa Acosta, an instructional coordinator at the Cotton Elementary School in San Antonio, TX, says the software allows her students to practice on their own, enabling teachers to spend more time teaching rather than supervising. The software is offered for both MACs and PCs on CD-ROM or via a network installation. Lexia is creating similar products for older students.