If you can read but can’t remember exactly how it happened – you’re not alone.
Around 70% of all students going through a traditional classroom setting learn to read, regardless of the reading instruction they receive.
But what of the remaining 30%?
Since it is difficult to remember how we learned to read, it is also difficult for us to then know how to teach someone else to read. Teachers should, but sadly do not, know how to teach reading.
This is such an easy-fix! Really!
Our aim is to ensure that every teacher knows the fundamentals – the real Oz behind the curtain – of how to teach reading skills. We’re not talking about a simple basal lesson, we mean effective, systematic, explicit phonics.
Several studies have been conducted that reveal the best way to teach reading.
For instance, a report from the National Reading Panel states: “Overwhelming evidence strongly supports the concept that explicitly and systematically teaching phonics in the classroom significantly improves students’ reading and spelling skills.”
Everyone, even automatic readers, can benefit from understanding the “why” behind our English language. A systematic, explicit phonics program provides students with that critical information. It empowers them with useful reading strategies to handle unfamiliar words rather than forcing them to guess and memorize the word for future use.
Why rely on luck when everyone can learn how to read. This way the pot of gold is available to all… not just the lucky 70%.