Learning to Read is Not a Natural Process It Must be Taught!
Released on: July 17, 2008, 7:35 pm
Press Release Author: Embracing Learning, LLC
Industry: Education
Press Release Summary: What is reading? When and how should a child learn to read? Who is responsible to teach a child how to read? Answers, resources, research,... are available! Every child can learn to read and every child can read to learn- Embracing Early Reading meets the needs of each child as an individual reader!
Press Release Body: Learning to read does not "just happen". The best time to teach a child to read is when the child is 4, 5, and 6 years old. After age 6, the objective for the child's reading instruction is an attempt for the child to "catch up" to her peers or curricular expectations.
It is estimated that approximately 50% of children have difficulty learning to read, according to Lyon's 1997 Report on Learning Disabilities. When a child is having difficulty or is a struggling reader, a common belief is that they are "just not ready to read and will read when they are ready". This belief is false! It is a myth!
Kristina Hufnagel, co-creator of the Embracing Early Reading support system and first grade teacher defines reading, "Reading is more than word calling (saying the words on the page). Reading is making meaning from print. To read, a child must be able to decode (figure out unknown words), read with fluency (phrasing, rate, and speed), and comprehend (understand)."
Teaching a child to read is not easy. It requires materials (books at various levels) and an understanding of the reading process. Educators and parents have often found these aspects of teaching a child to read to be difficult.
"Too often when a child is learning to read, they are being "fit" into a commercial reading program with determined daily and weekly lesson plans for their reading instruction. Yet, not all children are the same," notes Jennifer Davis, first grade teacher and co-creator of the Embracing Early Reading support system. "Each child learns at different rates and by different means of instruction. Embracing Early Reading, for example, is not a reading program. It is a reading support system that focuses on providing reading instruction and support to "fit" the needs of each child as an individual reader. Research conducted by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English has determined and identified that this is "effective" and "best practice" reading instruction."
Self-confidence, excitement, and wonder can and should be seen in the eyes of every child who is learning how to read, whether the child is a typical beginning reader or a child who is a struggling reader. Often though, if a child is a struggling reader or having difficulty learning to read, the child's motivation and confidence as a reader are negative. Frequently, there is a false hope that the child can be "fixed". The child can not be "fixed" because the child is not "broken".no child is "broken". Every child is unique. Just like adults, every child has strengths and areas for improvement. The key is to recognize and celebrate the strengths of each child as a reader and to provide specific, timely, and appropriate support for their development and growth throughout the process of learning to read.
"The teachers, parents, and school districts need to share the responsibility of helping a child to grow and develop not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well," explains Jennifer Davis, co-creator of Embracing Early Reading and a first grade teacher. "We all need to work together to meet the needs of each child as an individual. It is not about teaching the "reading", but rather it is about or should be about teaching the "reader" (child)." Whether the child is a beginning reader or a struggling reader. every child can learn to read and read to learn!
The Embracing Early Reading support system referenced above is available at www.embracingearlyreading.com. Embracing Early Reading is a reading support system for beginning and/or struggling readers. Information about the support system, ideas, resources, links, research, support, newsletters, a blog, and articles are available on the Embracing Early Reading website: www.embracingearlyreading.com.
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