Hartford Public Library subscribes to several computer instructional (CAI) software programs, designed to provide the intensity of instruction required for literacy gains. These software programs include interactive exercises that provide immediate feedback letting you know instantly whether your answer is correct, and differential lessons that move at your pace and do not allow you to move ahead until you have completed the lesson.
In addition to purchased software programs, the Library offers a broad range of other material for use at the library and/or for borrowing and use at home. Material for learning English include text and workbooks, dictionaries (bilingual, picture, and specialized), graded readers (fiction and non-fiction), recorded books, and multimedia DVDs, CDs, and CD-ROMs.
Students registered in the Library’s ESL and/or Citizenship Guided Self-Study program may borrow peripheral devices, such as DVD/CD/CD-ROM players and typing keyboards.
Headsets may be borrowed for on-site use only. For hygiene purposes, we recommend that you purchase your own. Headsets are available for sale at the circulation desk for $1.00.
These are just some examples of material for learning English available at Hartford Public Library. Visit us so that we can assess your level and match you to a product that best meets your needs.
ELLIS
ELLIS is an English learning software with over 1,000 hours of instruction. It covers three levels: Introduction for beginner learners, Middle Mastery for intermediate learners and Senior Mastery for advanced learners and TOEFL preparation. The combination of text, graphics, video, audio and voice recording allow students to focus on specific areas of need, such as reading, writing and/or listening and speaking. Instructional support is available in over 60 languages.
Lexia Reading Strategies for Older Students
Lexia is specifically designed to help older struggling readers increase automatic word recognition by reinforcing phonic elements and sound/symbol relationships. Activities provide extensive practice in everything from basic phonological awareness to advanced word-attack strategies, as well as vocabulary development. Students progress systematically through the program
DVD Programs
Non-circulating
Circulating
Recorded Books’ SmartReaders
These are high-interest/controlled level texts recorded at two speeds. CD one is recorded significantly slower than normal conversation (40%), perfect for struggling readers to follow along. CD two is recorded at a moderate reading pace, still slightly slower than standard Recorded Books. Two reading levels are available: Level One SmartReaders are written on a first- to second-grade reading level. Level Two SmartReaders are written on a third- to fourth-grade reading level. Topics include histories, biographies, mysteries, adventures, and more!
Graded Readers
Graded readers are high interest fiction and non-fiction books graded at various levels of difficulty from Easy to Difficult. As you move up the levels, more and more words and more complex grammar and language structures are gradually introduced. Several of the titles also include a CD recording so that you may listen to audio recording of the script that you are reading.
Assessment Tools
CASAS Practice Items Reading 27
Recommended Online Resources
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