CONTACT:
Ben Weintraub (212-675-8567)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Middle School Reading Program Activities Based On Popular Demand From Teachers
Announcing the Addition of Several New Literature-Based Activities for Book Punch

Website Link:
http://www.bookpunch.com

Several new middle school reading program activities have just been released by Merit Software for Book Punch. Among the new titles covered include "Hatchet," "Holes," "The Giver," and "The Outsiders." The titles were selected based on popular demand from teachers.

Book Punch provides interactive, step-by-step writing prompts for books commonly read in schools. Book Punch's built-in hints and tips guide students through the process of organizing their thoughts and creating clear and concise written works.

The program evolved from Merit’s popular Paragraph Punch and Essay Punch products, which have been recognized for excellence in teaching students to write effectively.

Students of a wide range of abilities experience success with Book Punch. With the program, students are able to connect to books more personally, and to think critically about what they have read.

Book Punch complements state and local curriculum standards for English and Language Arts. It is designed for use individually, in small groups, or with an entire class.

The activities are web-delivered and will work with any Windows, Macintosh, or Linux computer with Internet access and a standard web browser. One full year's access costs $19.00 per pupil.

For a complete list of titles covered, lesson plan aids, pricing information, and full-working demos go to http://www.bookpunch.com

ABOUT MERIT SOFTWARE:

Since 1983, Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com) has been producing educational software that addresses the core competencies that students require to succeed. The emphasis is on strengthening students' ability to read, analyze data and communicate their ideas.

Merit Software's programs are known throughout the industry for providing context-sensitive tutorials for students and convenient record management features to aid teachers, tutors and parents.

Visit www.meritsoftware.com to examine the company's library of educational applications currently being used in thousands of educational facilities worldwide.

Merit's educational software has been the subject of rigorous, independent, scientific-based research. These studies have concluded that Merit's software provides an effective supplement to everyday instruction. Research findings are available on www.meritsoftware.com/research.

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