The Easiest Way for Parents To Help with Reading Instruction

 This is a great reminder from a great blog:

LitBlog

Fluency is the easiest part of reading instruction that parents can help with at home. 

"Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately and quickly.
When fluent readers read silently, they recognize words automatically. They group words quickly to help them gain meaning from what they read. Fluent readers read aloud effortlessly and with expression. Their reading sounds natural, as if they are speaking. Readers who have not yet developed fluency read slowly, word by word. Their oral reading is choppy and plodding.

Fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension. Because fluent readers do not have to concentrate on decoding the words, they can focus their attention on what the text means. They can make connections among the ideas in the text and between the text and their background knowledge.

•    More fluent readers recognize words and comprehend at the same time.

•    Less fluent readers, however, must focus their attention on figuring out the words, leaving them little attention for understanding the text.

Research Supported Fluency Strategies in LitART
1.    Model fluent reading and have students reread the text on their own.
2.    Conduct guided reading (provide feedback and guidance during reading.)
3.    Use repeated oral readings of the same text to increase accuracy and rate.
4.    Facilitate partner reading to increase oral reading opportunities
5.    Employ reader’s theatre to allow for a performed reading."

Head Start Works

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for kids to be ready to succeed. This means that no matter how much faith we put in public education, (and I put A LOT of faith in public education) schools cannot be expected to do it all. We need to take responsibility for our children's education and teach them to be responsible for it as well.

Head Start Works

This article from Scholastic Administrator takes a look at a study of Head Start from 2002-2005. The results show that Head Start works! Children are more prepared entering kindergarten with a "Head Start." What this means is that kids who would not typically get the chance to participate in any preschool program have a more even playing field with Head Start.

Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. and Community United Head Start operate the preschool and day care programs in Akron and Cleveland respectively. Get in touch with them if you have a preschool aged child ready to learn.
 
Kids can get a head start in many private preschool programs. It is up to us to make sure that the program our child is in does a great job, has a valid curriculum, and employs certified teachers. Kids who get to take part in a great preschool have a step ahead and Head Start provides that for all of us.