Real World Skills? Reading v Test Taking

Eliminate almost all worksheets and workbooks and instead use the money saved to purchase books for classroom libraries; use time saved for self-selected reading, self-selected writing, literary conversations, and read-alouds.  Ban test-preparation activities and materials from the school day.

Richard Allington and Rachael Gabriel have clearly identified the six elements of effective reading instruction that ensure children learn to read. Best of all these 6 elements don't require much time or money - just educators' decision to put them into place.

Jump on board this link for a detailed look Every Child, Every Day

Happy Reading!

Rachel Walker

Co-Pilot & Red Rocket Scientist

www.redrocketreaders.com

Power to Read

Dr. Marie Clay advocated that for 80% of children, learning to read will be relatively trouble-free. The key is to take special care of the 20% who struggle, and in doing so, take care of all 100% of learner-readers.

Now esteemed experts, Richard Allington and Rachael Gabriel have clearly identified the six elements of effective reading instruction that ensure children learn to read.  Best of all these 6 elements don't require much time or money - just educators' decision to put them into place.

Jump on board this link for a detailed look Every Child, Every Day


Six Elements in brief;

1. Every child reads something he or she chooses. (At some time every day, they should be able to choose what they read).

2. Every child reads accurately. (A body of research demonstrates the importance of having students read texts they can read accurately and understand).

3. Every child reads something he or she understands. (The ability to read takes lots of reading and rereading of text that students find engaging and comprehensible).

4. Every child writes about something personally meaningful. (Writing provides a different modality within which to practice the skills and strategies of reading).

5. Every child talks with peers about reading and writing. (The task of switching between writing, speaking, reading, and listening helps students make connections between the skills they use in each task).

6. Every child listens to a fluent adult read aloud. (beyond first grade, teachers should read to their students each day).

Allington and Gabriel make the following suggestions:

Eliminate almost all worksheets and workbooks and instead use the money saved to purchase books for classroom libraries; use time saved for self-selected reading, self-selected writing, literary conversations, and read-alouds.  Ban test-preparation activites and materials from the school day.

In conclusion - It's time for the six elements of effective instruction to be offered more consistently to every child, in every school, every day.  Remember, adults have the power to make these decisions; kids don't.  Let's decide to give them the kind of instruction they need.


Happy Reading!

Rachel Walker
Co-Pilot & Red Rocket Scientist


www.redrocketreaders.com

Countdown to launch - 6 success boosters

I've been on a mission to a better world. By helping children learn to read and helping teachers teach literacy.  Today I've found another dimension that will take my mission to the next level.  It's the power boost I've been seeking...

"It's called 'reading' - It's how people install new software into their brains"

Discover the successful reading instruction formula through six, easy, life-changing elements, that have the power to make literate lives a reality for every child.

I am so excited to share it. So excited that I want to shout - perhaps writing in UPPERCASE will suffice. I'm so nervous too that this enormous news is going to be missed and I'm so thrilled by the possibility that it will be globally recognized as the world changing answer that it REALLY IS.

It's happened -  internationally respected experts have pared the formula down to 6 success elements that are; accessible, affordable and actionable now.  Take a read here on this link Every Child, Every Day

Get on board people. This is the real deal. There are no barriers, just a world of possibilities and successful lives without limits.   Every child can be a reader and a learner if we prioritize reading and teach with a proactive, preventative approach.


Happy Reading!


Rachel Walker

Co-Pilot & Red Rocket Scientist