As an educator, I strive to keep up to date with best teaching practice for my students. Through ongoing professional development with leading authorities on SLD’s, my intervention model aligns with the latest research on the science of reading.
In my years of experience using structured synthetic phonics programs, I was able to see the benefits of this approach. Unfortunately, I felt some things were missing and I often questioned my true effectiveness. Were my students really making enough progress? Was I collecting sufficient data each week? Was there more I could be doing?
What is the Science of Reading?
The science of reading is not a new trendy ‘buzz word’. Instead, it is a vast, multi-disciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. The international research conducted over the last five decades, is based on thousands of studies. Prominent researchers include Dr Stanislas Dehaene, Dr David Kilpatrick, Dr Hollis Scarborough and Dr Luisa Moats, to name just a few.
Why is the Science of Reading important?
The research provides evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop. The science of reading has provided evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and, therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties. This is vital information for anyone involved in teaching a child or adult to read.
How does the Science of Reading (SOR) align with our tutoring services?
In my research about the science of reading (SOR) and best teaching practices, I was fortunate to discover a team of passionate educators at ASCEND Learning. The Smarter Reading & Writing Intervention program curriculum, is designed around an evidence based framework. This model targets 5 core components of literacy eg. Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension. In addition, we target Writing content and mechanics.
Our tutoring model targets the 5 core components of literacy eg. Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension.
What does it mean for your child?
At Sensory Learning Services, we tailor individualised programs aligned with the science of reading. Firstly, baseline assessments are administered to gather data. Secondly, we create a treatment plan targeting specific areas of weakness. In addition, ongoing data is collected at each session to measure progress and determine what we need to focus on in the next session. Consequently, this information determines if we can move ahead in the program or if we must revise or even slow down. Furthermore, midpoint and end of level assessments are administered to measure and compare student growth, and to determine if ongoing support is required.
Our structured and systematic synthetic phonics program, is explicitly taught by our team of trained and experienced tutors. In addition, we apply evidence based strategies, such as colour coded visual frameworks and graphic organisers to assist students learning of key concepts. Most importantly, we keep students engaged by using multi sensory techniques, we talk, we laugh, we have fun, we play games and we aim to build relationships to find out exactly what our students need from us.
If you would like to know more about our tutoring services, please contact us.
