How to use Rapid effectively in the classroom

Do I need to buy my own headsets to use the software?

No. Special noise-reducing headsets are provided in the software packs.

 

Can I use the Rapid books for Guided Reading?

Yes, the Rapid books are ideal either for one-on-one reading intervention, or for Guided Reading sessions. Alongside the teaching notes within every book, there are Guided Reading notes for every text provided in the Teaching Guides.

 

What phonic opportunities are provided in Rapid?

Every Rapid text includes a Quiz page which features a 'phonic focus'. These 'phonic focus' questions direct the child back to the words of the text to analyse them for phonic features such as initial letter sounds, blending three phonemes, and initial consonant clusters. The child's phonic skills can then be followed up using activity worksheets, and are assessed using the in-build Rapid assessment resources.

 

Is there any follow-up work after reading the books?

The Rapid Reading Assistant software is ideal for practising reading the texts again. This cutting-edge speech recognition software prompts and supports the child as they read out loud, and this essential reading practice helps to build a child's fluency and comprehension. A follow-up photocopiable worksheet has also been provided for every Rapid text, within the Teaching Guides. These address word-level skills or provide a writing task, and are designed to be used independently by the child.

 

What does the embedded Assessment for Learning consist of?

The Rapid programme has an integral assessment strand which can be used to:

• place a child within the programme
• check whether they are ready to move up a step in the programme
• provide ongoing tracking of their reading performance.
  

There are assessment books, which act as a benchmarking tool for summative and formative assessment, and comprehensive notes in the Teaching Guides on how to run an assessment reading session, as well as other ideas for day-to-day assessment of a child's reading. The Rapid software also supports assessment for learning by giving instant feedback to the child and teacher on their reading performances.

Who can deliver Rapid in the classroom?

The Rapid programme has been developed to be easy to use by all. The teaching notes within every book are ideal for SENCOs, teachers and teaching assistants, and further teaching advice and ideas are provided through the comprehensive Teaching Guides.

The texts are at the right reading level for my children, but are they suitable for my older struggling readers?

Rapid is ideal for children aged 7 to 11, with texts containing age-appropriate topics and sophisticated artwork and a modern design. You may find that struggling readers over the age of 11 also enjoy the fresh look and feel of the Rapid texts and motivating software.

How do I know if Rapid texts are at the right level for my children?

The Rapid texts cover National Curriculum Levels 1C to 2A (5-14 Levels A to C). You will find guidance in the Teaching Guide about how to place your child at the correct stage within the Rapid programme.

 

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