Reading

Reading is a critical part of every child’s path to success. Not surprisingly, educators and researchers have worked for decades to refine and develop effective approaches to reading instruction. In recent years there has been a move away from assumptions based on beliefs about how children should learn to read. Now scientists use research methods to discover what processes happen in the brain when we are reading. They have discovered that different parts of the brain must work together smoothly during reading. A high speed transfer of information is necessary to translate the letters into words, assign meaning to each word, and then make sense of the whole. These connections in the brain can be studied and certain conclusions reached about children who struggle to read.

What works with a child who is reading below reading level?

It is easier to learn phonics (what letters stand for what sounds) when the practice is visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Kinesthetic learning involves movement and touch; auditory involves sound; visual learning involves sight. These three types of practice are brought together during multisensory instruction.

A child who is behind needs intensive practice.

Phonics rules can be studied in the context of games. This makes the practice fun for a young child. Older children doing vocabulary study for SAT testing also benefit from games.

A child who is doing challenging work must also be motivated. A system of rewards is often extremely valuable.

Stories are written around a specific group of words that a child is studying. New words will be introduced very gradually.

A child listens to a recorded story while reading the words on the page. Audio books are beneficial for all ages but must be used in a specific manner for the most benefit.

It is important to incorporate good literature into all reading programs. As children get older they need guidance in how to read complicated works of fiction.

This of course is the goal of all the work we do in reading. What does the text mean? This critical area breaks down for different reasons and must be evaluated by a specialist.

Process

Children with reading delays need a different type of program than the typical child. Our program incorporates all important aspects of reading instruction and the program is adapted for an individual child. That’s why our reading specialist develops a program that suits your child’s unique skill set.

  • Conduct a thorough evaluation of your child’s strength and weaknesses
  •  Based on our findings, we then develop a program using materials that are grade-appropriate.
  • Through periodic evaluations, we determine your child’s progress and make adjustments in difficulty.
  •  Above all, we try to build not only skill, but a love of reading that will benefit your child in all academic areas.

Get your child started on the path to success. Call Advantage Tutoring today!

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