RTI Research Projects  >

An Island of Understanding

Research-Based Classroom Intervention Program

Fourth and Fifth Graders

Academic leadership:
Prof. Tami Katzir, Dr. Orly Lipka, Prof. Anat Prior, and Prof. Michal Shany

Scientific coordinator:
Dr. Shira Blicher

Pedagogical Developers:
Shahar Dotan, Adi Shechter, Dr. Tami Sabag-Shoshan, and Kama Galili

Welcome to the Island of Understanding, where learning comes to life in a thrilling adventure!

Our intervention program, specially designed for Hebrew speakers in Grades 4–5, is accompanied by a teacher training program to help educators integrate literacy, nature, values, and social emotional learning in their teaching.

 An Arabic version is due to come out in 2024.

Imagine taking your class on a journey to a deserted island in which they will learn how to survive in the wild while improving their language skills and reading comprehension.

Comprehensive and Engaging Learning Experience

Our program combines the three axes of literacy, socio-emotional learning, and values

Gamification and Technological Tools to Make Learning Fun and Effective

Our program is tailored to each learner and features personalized interventions based on individual computerized assessments. This is supported by our research-based pedagogy and a variety of activities, such as books, games, and videos.

Team of Experts in the Field Guided by Leading Researchers

Our team provides training and support to teachers and language coordinators to improve the identification and treatment of learning difficulties.

Transforming Education

Nationwide Impact

Thousands of students and hundreds of teachers nationwide benefit from our program.

Proven Results

Our approach yields significant advancements in students’ reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and learning strategies.

Empowering Students

Students thrive with an increased sense of competence and reduced reading anxiety.

Elevating Educators

Participating teachers gain knowledge and enhanced confidence through our specialized training.

The IOU program has been presented in many conferences around the globe and teacher training workshops. It has also been presented at the Pontifical Academy in the Vatican to the Pope.

For More Information

Read: “The Feeling of Reading in a Changed World: From Neurons to Narratives” (Katzir, 2022)