Reading For Success
February 26th, 2008 by admin
For generations, classic school subjects included reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. Young children’s school days included a special time set aside each day to teach reading, and kids were grouped according to reading ability for instruction. Then, usually at the transition between elementary school and junior high, the subject of reading mysteriously disappeared from the curriculum list. Adolescents found their class schedules no longer listed Reading as a separate entity, and little or no additional instruction was forthcoming.
Times change, though, and teachers now acknowledge the vital importance of reading. In addition to having its own self-contained instructional period in elementary school, reading skills education is woven throughout the rest of the schedule. Thanks to federal mandates, children’s progress in that area is monitored closely, and those having trouble are provided with specialized instruction to help them keep up with their peers. Some schools even offer continued instruction to middle and high school students when needed to give them the best chance to succeed at higher education or job skill development. All of this attention came about because reading is known to foundational to other learning and to success in life. It’s nice to see schools beginning to respond to the fact that literacy advocates have known all along: reading is a vital skill that forms the foundation for most learning and employment.
In the short run, students need sound reading skills commensurate with their grade placement by about the third grade. Most students notice a shift in education between grades three and four: class instruction focus moves from learning how to read to reading to learn other things. Content areas, like science and social studies, are based on textbooks and other reading materials. Math class includes increasing numbers of application problems (story problems) that require not only a good grasp of the math concepts, but also enough literacy to read the scenario.
In the long run, adults need the ability to read and understand text in order to continue with higher education, get job training, communicate with bosses and co-workers, and more. Adults also need a degree of literacy to manage day-to-day tasks, understand contracts and agreements, apply for loans, and stay informed.
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of reading. Parents, teachers, care givers, employers, and other adults need to build awareness of literacy and the development of reading skills. It’s time to take action! We all have a stake in improving literacy in our country, and we all have ways we can help.
If you are a parent:
Monitor your child’s progress with reading carefully. Students with reading problems often slip under teachers’ radars because they are very, very good at hiding their difficulty. They may be labeled “difficult,” “lazy,” or “bad” because they act out in class or don’t do their homework. They may do fine on homework but have a terrible time with tests. Some are quiet and never call attention to themselves and others are brazen and obnoxious as they try to take attention away from the weakness in reading. Teachers can easily misunderstand a poor reader because they present so many different types of behaviors. You as the parent, however, are in a fabulous position to make sure your child is reading as expected. Every few months, simply have your child read out loud to you. Read from grade level text to make sure that reading skills are on par with expectations for the age group. You can learn more about checking your child’s reading level on your own by clicking here or here.
In addition to making sure you understand how your own child is doing, you can also get involved with the school. If you can arrange time off or visit the school over lunch or before work, consider being a mentor or volunteer. There are children in every school that will benefit from an extra caring adult in their lives. If you can’t be there in person, consider donating time or supplies to help prepare for activities or events. Your child’s teacher may have tasks you can assist with that will free him or her up to spend more time working directly with the kids.
If you have a friend or family member with low literacy skills:
Do a bit of research and find the nearest literacy agency that can help. Check with your local library or the adult education program in your school district. Some community colleges have remedial programs, too. Offer to help set up an appointment and be the moral support for your friend or loved one. It’s tough to admit that you have a problem with literacy, but there are resources around to help. Many adults with literacy problems are convinced that they are not smart enough to learn or that they already tried to learn in school and failed. Literacy workers have many different techniques to use that regular school students did not have access to, especially in years past. The individualized nature of literacy tutoring ensures privacy, immediate help and feedback, and the ability to work toward personal goals.
It’s also possible to help adult learners yourself! If there is no literacy program available, you may be the best resource for your friend or loved one. You don’t need to be a trained teacher to help someone learn to read. Click here for ideas about how to get started.
If you are a community member:
Consider volunteering with or supporting your local literacy agency. Tutors are always welcome and training is usually provided. Funds are always in short supply, so financial help is also very valuable. Find literacy agencies by checking in your local phone book, calling the library or the adult education program at your school district, or watching the newspaper for information.
Everyone has a role to play to promote literacy. We all can lend a hand in some fashion, and by doing so, will help lift another person out of the prison of poor reading skills. Readers are better employees, powerful parents and responsible citizens. Spread the word!
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© 2007 Sandra Fleming
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