Books and software for the computer age

We have an addiction problem in my school. Pupils clamour to learn their spellings using a program called Wordshark.

Children with learning difficulties generally have to be coaxed to work on spelling strategies - but not any more.

Using Wordshark they move through a series of games based on a pre-defined word list. These are fun to play and ingenuous in their use of different spelling attack techniques.

The pupils never seem to tire of the games and can make their own choices. Some choose quieter, slower games, while others enjoy the racier types.

Nicola Jones teaches at Garratt Park School, Wandsworth