Reading Comprehension (DVD)

"This product is a wonderful learning aid to help young children learn how to prepare for reading tests. It is also great for struggling readers, to help them form new study habits. It is easy to follow, and you can pause along the way. I was also able to print copies of the test to use with individual students that I am tutoring this summer as well as my own daughter. I love the fact that you are able to download and print the practice material. This gives children the wonderful opportunity to practice what they learn from the DVD before they actually use their skills on tests in the classroom. It is rare that videos not only talk about test taking strategies but also show what to do. It is the only video I have seen that addresses standardized or multiple choice tests." – reviewer for Teachers' Choice Award for the Family Program

"This DVD teaches students to read questions first on a test. Read the questions carefully and, look for important words like EXCEPT. Underline sentences that seem important. Usually the main idea is at the beginning and the end of a passage. Scan for context clues… read sentences right before and after something you don't understand. Be a detective, look for clues! Put the answers in the fill-in-the-blank questions, and see which one sounds right. If you think you know the correct answer, you still need to read the other options. Use clues that the author gives you. Look for transition or order words: first, next, then, finally, etc. Children learn a variety of reading strategies to help them perform successfully on standardized assessments. It also teaches them reading comprehension through the use of cool songs, fun humor, and much practice. Parents can view along with their children and understand where their child may be having difficulty." – reviewer for Teachers' Choice Award for the Family Program

“Test-taking skills are increasingly important as high-stakes testing becomes the norm. This program teaches students solid test-taking strategies in the subject area of reading. Computer-generated 3-D animation introduces a young girl about to take a test, and her test mentor, Marko the Pencil. Marko is enthusiastic, optimistic, and chock-full of testing tips. He recommends reading the questions first, then reading the selection while looking for the answers required. He suggests reading all possible answers before choosing the correct one, and using inference skills when necessary. Marko then walks viewers through three passages and the questions that go with them, while applying the skills he has discussed. Along the way, students are reminded to be neat and to erase completely when necessary. The strategies are solid and would be useful in test-taking. Students will enjoy the occasional light humor and appreciate the program's clear, specific content. The review at the end covers 13 test-taking tips, and if you hang around during the credits you get to hear Marko's comedy routine, consisting of very bad riddles. While not perfect for all test-taking situations, this program presents some important skills in an interesting way, and would help to relieve students' testing anxiety.” – Review from the School Library Journal, Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

“Tests make some students extremely nervous, but the test-taking strategies offered by Marko the animated pencil will make them seem less daunting. Among the useful tips are reading the questions before you read the text, underlining, and looking for clues to answer the questions more effectively. Marko also offers relaxation tips. When a practice test is given, Marko hovers close by, helping youngsters apply the skills he has taught. Neatness counts, and Marko stresses that mistakes must be completely erased. Music and humor will engage viewers. The review at the end covers all the test-taking strategies, and while the credits roll, Marko does a standup routine that includes jokes and riddles. A good choice for use in classrooms and at home.” – Review from the School Library Journal Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL

“This product had very good educational content. It accurately reflected the test-taking strategies my daughter learned in third grade last year. It even used the same terminology!” – reviewer for iParenting Media Award

“What an interesting concept. As a tragic test taker, myself, I know the anxiety it can bring. What a great way to get the ‘point’ across to the kids at a young but vital age. Here in Texas they are taking some major tests at this age, and this would help calm their nerves and help them carry some strategies with them.” – Carol P.

"This is a unique and clever approach for grabbing the attention of students, showing them excellent test-taking strategies, leading them through an actual practice test, and giving them practice at reading for meaning. Marko's 'best tip of all' towards the end of the program may just be the key to solving one of the biggest challenges facing the education of our youth in today's overly wired world." – Robert L.

"A spectacular and brilliant way to get students ready for standardized reading tests!" – Carolina E.