Win Win Aung, 10, is learning to improve his reading through the Discover Intensive Phonics program after Reading Horizon donated the software to the Hser Ner Moo Community Center in June 2009.
A recent software donation to the Hser Ner Moo Community Center is teaching children to read. The program, Discover Intensive Phonics, is made by Reading Horizons and is specifically targeted to those who use English as their second language.
"It takes kids and teaches them the basics of reading then allows them to catch up with where they should be and even allows them to jump ahead," said Quin Kofford, Reading Horizons literacy project mentor. "Each of the kids seems to be progressing really well."
Software was donated to the six computer labs in the center, along with training materials for instructors. The program is divided into three half-hour sections. First, students spend time on the computer playing games that help them learn to read. Then they are given direct instruction, followed by interactive reading time.
"I like the direct instruction because it's between you and them so you can see how they receive it," said Domoina Voniarisoa, community center manager. "I also like the computer part because I like to see the excitement of when they pass a section. They yell 'yes, I did it' and clap their hands."
For 10-year-old Win Win Aung, who moved to South Salt Lake from Thailand two years ago, the video games are the best part of the program.
"I don't like to read but I like to play the games," he said. According to instructors, he's already improving after only two weeks of using the program.
The Hser Ner Moo Community Center was chosen to receive the donation, worth $12,000, because the company wanted to reach out to the community.
"We saw a need here," Kofford said. "I think it's going to be really helpful for the kids to improve their reading skills."