We're very excited with what we've been doing with Little Reader. In the next major update (tentatively called "v3"), you will see new features including:
1. Child Profiles If you have more than one child using LR, you can now keep different stats for for them, and show the relevant course according to which child is using it at the time.
2. Game mode You can play back any lesson in game mode, where LR will show different words from the Category, and ask you to pick the correct word. Can be set to show 2, 4, 6, 8, or 9 words to choose from.
3. Split Audio In v2, we have Split Mode which allowed us to split a word or sentence into different parts, and color code them so that it's easy for the child to see the parts.
In v3, Split Mode is now enhanced such that even the audio files can be recorded in 'split audio' mode. This allows a word such as "Animals" to be played back as "A... ni... mals.... Animals", and you can play back any part of the word separately. Likewise, with sentences, you could play back each individual word separately, and you could even choose to split a word into the consonants and vowels etc. (eg., "cuh... ah... tuh... cat")
You just need to record the audio file in parts, then the complete version at the end, and LR will detect the parts and split it for you.
4. Course Creator This is probably the most important feature in this release. You will be able to:
- Edit our CurriculumYou can add/remove Categories to the BrillKids curricula to suit your child's level or interests. If he's already mastered a Category, simply remove it. If he's particularly keen on dinosaurs, then you could create or download dinosaur Categories and insert them into the curriculum to spice up the lessons. Basically, you will have total flexibility and control over your daily curriculum lessons!
- Create your own CurriculaYou can simply take Categories that you like, and have them auto-generated into a day-by-day curriculum without having to plan out what is shown every day. Just add all the Categories you want to show into the melting pot, and LR will spit them back out in daily lessons. You can create different lessons for each day, like Word Flash, Multisensory, etc., and even multiple sessions per day. Little Reader will do all the word rotation and Category retirements for you.
Yes, you will be able to create something that's nearly identical to our existing Curriculum. BTW, this will also mean that we will be able to launch new language curricula much faster!
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This should be ready early next year. We will announce upgrade details closer to the time. Some features will be available in a free upgrade for existing users, but some might not be (just to give you a forewarning!).
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERSWe're looking for some help! Please let me know if you fit the following description:
- You are or have been a frequent user of Little Reader
- You are very familiar with all its major features, including creating and editing Categories
- You have a lot of time
- You are interested in trying out the existing beta build of LR v3 with your child
(If you're also using the Chinese curriculum, please let me know too.)
We're looking for a handful of people to help give it a good test, and also to help us replicate/check our current English and Chinese Curricula that's generated in the new 'Auto-Course' format.
Those who are interested, please either post her or PM me. Thanks very much!
KL
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