Reading is a special type
of receptive language or listening skill. We take
listening for granted when we chat on a cell phone, talk
to friends or listen to our favorite TV show. But
listening requires a large part of our brain. The left
side of our cerebral cortex is devoted to translating
the sound patterns of spoken words into meaningful
language – receptive language.
The
receptive language areas of the brain is where we
comprehend both written and spoken language and where we
store vocabulary words and auditory information, from
math facts to baseball scores in these listening areas.
Weaknesses
in these areas cause reading difficulties, including
dyslexia, as well as problems producing written
language. Sound Reading is unique in its approach to
teaching reading. It is the first program that addresses
decoding, fluency and comprehension as aspects of
receptive language
Sound
Reading offers a two phase approach to addressing these
issues and improves reading. First, every fluency
foundation session begins with a rapid naming warm-up
exercise. Your child practices timed, repeated,
oral reading. Track progress with our Timing and Goals
graphs. You’ll be amazed at how quickly reading speed
improves.
For
younger children (those just learning to read, or
children having difficulty learning to read) use our
Hop, Skip and Jump materials.
Learning
to read is an interactive speaking and listening
process. Children with strong speech and language skills
quickly learn from interactions with print. Hop Skip and
Jump Readers and Software provide research-based reading
practice that ensures reading success. The series of
developmentally sequenced print-to-speech activities
lead children through pre-word exercises to paragraph
reading.
Learning
to read is like learning to speak. Children listen and
watch readers, then try the words out themselves. This
is a special time, so relax and enjoy it. Don't race
through the readers. Go at a pace that suits your
child's development. Our goal is not to complete a book
but to develop a love of reading... Find your child's
personal rhythm and pace.
It is
perfectly normal for children to take many days to
master a page. It is normal to confuse letter names with
letter sounds. Children love repetition, so encourage
them to repeat each page. They build confidence by
rereading pages mastered earlier. Be sure to give
praise for effort and progress!
If a
word or a page is too hard, read it to them. Let
them point to the words as you read. If a page is
just too hard move on to the next page. Sometimes a
different activity will help a child's progress.
Return to the difficult page after the child has
mastered other pages.
The
sequence of sounds and the method of instruction is
derived from speech therapy. Letters and sounds are
learned together. We chose words that solid beginning
readers routinely master. Reading is an aspect of spoken
language that requires well-honed listening, memory and
attention. With practice children learn to translate
print into meaningful spoken words and sentences. This
creates higher expectations and greater outcomes.
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“The
activities move swiftly so
this appeals to children who
have difficulty maintaining
focus. An added bonus is the
economical price!”
Renee Huntley
Director of Academic Services
The Out-of- Door Academy
Sarasota, Florida
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