Reading is the Gateway to All Learning
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, as a whole, students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades are not demonstrating marked growth in reading as in decades past. Although researchers indicate that students are capable of learning to read at higher levels, many times they are not pushed to do so. In public schools, many times higher level students can be held back in progress while teachers do their best to get others in the class on level.
Many of the new reading programs being utilized in public schools today are different from the approach of old, when students were taught to simply read, speak, and write. The increasing variety of “new” reading programs being introduced to public educators and districts does show that teachers are looking for exciting ways to teach learning, but they seem to be doing a disservice to students. According to Chalkbeat, the largest districts in the state of Colorado are failing their students because they are using untested, or faulty curriculums to teach reading. Not only that, but they jump from one philosophy to the next on how to teach literacy and are not seeing progress.
Regardless of whether there are new types of curriculum being implemented in the nation or in local school districts, statistics show that one of the most important parts of learning to read is to just - READ. Children need daily exposure to letters, words, and books to increase their vocabulary. They need to read to themselves, read out-loud, and read text with and without pictures.
Many of the new reading programs being utilized in public schools today are different from the approach of old, when students were taught to simply read, speak, and write. The increasing variety of “new” reading programs being introduced to public educators and districts does show that teachers are looking for exciting ways to teach learning, but they seem to be doing a disservice to students. According to Chalkbeat, the largest districts in the state of Colorado are failing their students because they are using untested, or faulty curriculums to teach reading. Not only that, but they jump from one philosophy to the next on how to teach literacy and are not seeing progress.
Regardless of whether there are new types of curriculum being implemented in the nation or in local school districts, statistics show that one of the most important parts of learning to read is to just - READ. Children need daily exposure to letters, words, and books to increase their vocabulary. They need to read to themselves, read out-loud, and read text with and without pictures.
Now that summer is here, parents of school-age children will be the main source of enrichment for their students. It is suggested that young people should have a 20 minute period of focused reading a day. This might look different depending on the ages of your children. If you have a youngster who is just learning to recognize words, you can use songs to help kids to pick them up. They can follow along with you as you read to them. If you aren’t sure what types of things your child needs to focus on, check out these strategies for every level. The important thing is consistency in making the time to read. Below you will find ideas on how to make this time meaningful and fun for everyone. Reading each day helps young people see it as a priority in their education, and helps ease their transition back to school in the fall. If you have middle and high schoolers, the idea of reading is still important. However, they should also be working on building their vocabulary as they work with analogies and classic roots. The October Homeschooling page in the archives has several examples of books that you can utilize to help your student with critical thinking, building up vocabulary, as well as working on skills that will help students on the ACT and SAT tests for the next school year. Older students should be encouraged to stretch themselves past the short and sweet tidbits that they read on social media and get into deeper and richer texts - the classics. This extensive list of classics for young readers (grades 7-9), (grades 10-12) includes several different lists to help them find something enjoyable and challenging at the same time. Yes, it is important to swim, play, and explore. Parents can creatively rope them into a world of words that complement the fun you have as a family this summer. Enjoy! |
Making the Most of Summer:
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Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Ms. Monica Johnson (Dan Hoff will be replacing her in July)
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann