I saw a post about read america. I went to the website and it looked interesting. I think I may have been to a workshop about it 4 years ago but now I can’t remember. I teach middle school. Anyone have any suggestions about using it with this age bracket. My kids’ abilities span 4 years. Can it be successfully used in the classroom setting with this wide of a span? I’d appreciate any information or suggestions. I ordered Reading Reflex today. I plan on studying it over the holidays and trying this with a few of my lowest functioning students in the new year. If it works out, what are some other parts of the program I should consider ordering in the future for use in the classroom?
Laura
Re: Read America???
They also have classroom materials that are oriented more toward group work- I think it is called Word Works? or something like that. I will be interested to hear how it goes…
Robin
Re: Read America???
Check with Anitya and Shay who post frequently here — they both do classroom work and can give solid advice.
Re: Read America???
Laura,
The Read America website should be able to answer many of your questions. There is a section on frequently asked questions that is quite helpful. The program works well in one-on-one, small group, or full classroom settings. I also started with Reading Reflex to see if I would obtain the same results with my students as stated in the book. I was working with 1st graders in a pull-out program at the time. You will be pleasantly surprised! It took me 7 years to find a program that worked for my own daughter, and now I privately tutor. Phono-Graphix has worked for every child I have worked with - from pre-school to freshman, LD to Gifted. Every child has made gains, even if they are not receiving strong support at home to practice the skills learned. The program works well with the literature you have on-hand and includes stories that emphasize the lessons being taught. You would benefit greatly if you are able to order Word Work or a full manipulative kit (Word Work is included in the full kit). Word Work contains lesson plans, copyable worksheets, and lesson extensions for the classroom. The lesson extensions give you suggestions for seatwork which is beneficial if you’re working with your lowest students in a small group - other students can be working on other activities. You may also want to look into any trainings being conducted in your area, there are two types of training available. I would be happy to provide you with any other information you need on the program.
You might want to join the ReadNOW email list at http://www.groups.yahoo.com. Some of the list members are pretty experienced with it and could advise you.
Mary