Reading With Rachael

Dyslexia is a widely known term that most people have heard of. In fact, it is so common that you likely have many friends and/or family members who are Dyslexic. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population is affected by this frustrating impairment in reading. But, what exactly is it?  The fundamental definition is simply a difference in the way that the brain processes language. On a scientific level, reading is comparable to a complex system of code. The explanation for dyslexia lies in the disruption of the neural circuits that "crack" the code. For non-dyslexics, the ability to hear individual sounds in words (phonemic awareness) and assign them to letters (phonics) comes quite easily. However, for Dyslexics, this process gets interrupted. This is attributed to the hallmark deficit in phonemic awareness which makes sounds much less distinguishable. For those with severe to profound Dyslexia, it can feel nearly impossible. Add in letters that get easily jumbled, and ...

I often refer to phonological and phonemic awareness in conversations with parents. It is important to understand what these skills encompass because they are absolutely critical in reading development. In fact, phonemic awareness makes up one of the five main "pillars" in reading. The other four are: phonics (understanding of the alphabetic principle and assigning sounds to letter names), fluency (appropriate rate), comprehension (understanding and meaning making) and vocabulary.  Phonological awareness is an umbrella term for all emerging literacy skills that involve hearing various aspects of spoken language. This includes understanding of one-to-one correspondence counting words in a short sentence, breaking words into syllables (or parts), and rhyming. There are two parts to a rhyme: the onset and the rime. The onset is the first sound in isolation and the rime is the rest of the word including a vowel and ending sound(s). For example, /h/-/am/ or /s/-/ock/. All of thes...

       Who would have ever thought that students being in school 5 days a week would feel like such a foreign concept? Parents are only a few months shy of having the title "remote homeschool teacher" for an entire year. We are all chomping at the bit to get "back to normal", but what does that even mean anymore? Change is hard for most, but our students have had no choice but to be flexible and roll with the punches. There might be some anxiety surrounding establishing a routine again, but there are plenty of things you can do to make it a smooth transition. 1) Make a plan and stick to it! There is a reason teachers spend a good two weeks at the beginning of every school year establishing classroom norms; a non-militaristic "boot-camp", if you will. Children perform their best when given clear expectations that are consistent are reliable. This will be done in the classroom, but it is extremely beneficial to put some procedures in place at home as well. ...

  Every summer, students can lose some of their hard earned progress that they made throughout the school year. The “summer slide” is common, and could potentially be even more drastic now more than ever given the shortened academic year due to COVID19. No need to panic! There is a lot that parents can do at home to incorporate literacy every single day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Although these tips are meant to help guide you in finding age appropriate ideas, never say no to your child asking for something easier or more challenging! Reading levels are not the end-all-be-all. You can always assist your child in reading something beyond their independent ability, and having them read something that is “too easy” is fluency practice! Here are 10 of the most important reading skills along with some recommendations for engaging books for every age that will have your kids asking to read! First sound fluency: Practice phonemic awareness anywhere you are! Driving in the car...