Summer 2002 Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 2
Inside This Issue
- MI Works!
- Direct Instruction Teacher Workshops
- Input Wanted
- The Word on the Street
- New Software Training Available
- Quotes from President & Mrs. Bush
- Frequently Asked Questions: Implementing Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself in Your Classroom
MI Works!
Founded in 1984, HEC Reading Horizons is dedicated specifically to helping people learn to read. We offer, among other things, interactive computer courseware designed specifically for older students. The courseware is based on the Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself approach to reading and is called Reading Horizons. Adults and youth learn to read, spell, and pronounce 90% of commonly used English words with Reading Horizons — even when they have failed before. An 18-year track record in thousands of literacy programs coast to coast leaves no doubt Reading Horizons works. We would like to spotlight one user in particular.
The state of Michigan provides access to free educational facilities for people who are seeking to finish high school, prepare for the GED, improve basic job skills (reading, writing, math), improve English (ESL students), and learn basic computer skills. These services are rendered at learning labs throughout the state. The labs are governed regionally and are called Michigan Works (MI Works!) Learning Labs. The labs are open year round and are staffed by experienced professional teachers who provide individualized instruction.
There are nine MI Works Learning Labs in the Northwest Michigan Region. These nine sites have been utilizing the Reading Horizons computer courseware since 1994. Students use the program on a daily basis. The administrative features allow teachers to monitor each individual student's progress. Students are able to learn at their own pace. If a concept seems confusing, students can rerun the lesson as many times as necessary. Since they are working individually, there is no embarrassment. Administrators are able to ascertain particular areas in which students may need individual help, and provide it.
One of the original instigators of the Reading Horizons implementation is Christy Nelson. She recently commented on the use of the program. "HEC (Reading Horizons) is very useful in that non/low literate participants are able to independently work on a computer program and experience success. Teachers can use the program in addition to the one-on-one instruction. The material presented is not childish or demeaning to adult readers. They can see immediately if they have mastered a concept and are able to independently monitor their progress." One such case involved a 65-year-old man who was enthused to find a reading program that allowed him to "start from the absolute basics."
When asked why they chose Reading Horizons Ms. Nelson remarked, "HEC was purchased as a resource for adults with low literacy skills. Since it was purchased, HEC has been utilized to not only serve this population but also ESL students who are beginning to read, write, and speak English." One of the ESL students stated that the auditory portion, sounding the letters and vowels, was very helpful as she attempted to improve her English.
We are certain the ongoing use of Reading Horizons will continue to pay dividends for the students that are served by MI Works! When asked why she would recommend Reading Horizons Ms. Nelson simply stated, "I feel that it is a great tool in helping adults learn to read. It provides a systematic approach to reading that adults can understand."
For more information or a free demonstration CD Rom, please call us at 800-333-0054.
Direct Instruction Teacher Workshops
Schedule an in-service Discover Intensive Phonics training at your facility for up to 25 teachers! This hands-on training session shows teachers how to guide students from a zero level through the decoding of multi-syllable words. This is a one-day, seven-hour session. Teachers who have not had the opportunity to receive phonics training will love the logical sequence of the program.
Input Wanted
We recently added a “Customer Comments” section to our web page www.readinghorizons.com. We would like to encourage those who use Discover Intensive Phonics materials to give us feedback. Customer input has been a driving force for change and improvement of our products over the last 18 years. Please take the opportunity to share your experience and ideas.
The Word on the Street
New Holland-Middletown District 88
After our first year of using the Discover Intensive Phonics program in first and second grades, we have seen great improvement in reading and spelling skills.
Students who have struggled in the past have gained substantial confidence in their ability to sound out words. The program has also helped them to expand their vocabulary. Even the special needs students and non-readers in our classes are beginning to acquire a knowledge of how words are formed and used in the English language.
We would strongly recommend this phonetic program to any educator who wants to see outstanding progress in language arts skills in a short period of time.
Contributed by Diane Albertin and Cinda Dorgan,
New Holland-Middletown District 88 - Middletown, Illinois
Central Elementary School
I have used HEC’s Discover Intensive Phonics for seven years in a computer lab setting. It has been an excellent tool to individualize phonics instruction for emerging readers. First graders can really grasp the association between seeing combinations of letters and putting the sounds that they represent together to form words. Each student can go at his or her own pace with the computer software without having to wait on other students who don’t catch on as quickly or who are struggling to keep up with skills they’re not ready for. In second grade, I can choose to have them review a few lessons or just continue from where they left off.
The reports that can be printed are very helpful in communicating with the classroom teacher exactly where each student is with independent phonetic development. The classroom activities allow teachers to see that information as well, but the printed reports can be a more concrete aid to explain this development to parents. The format from which the students select their lessons is also a very visual way for them to see their own progress. They become excited and want the students around them to see many of the interesting things they come across in the lessons as well as how many lessons they have completed successfully. I have very few problems with keeping children on task and it is wonderful to see their smiling faces when they realize how much they have accomplished.
Central Elementary School
Dubberly, Louisiana
New Software Training Available
HEC Reading Horizons now offers a one-day, four-hour teacher in-service session specifically designed to help teachers integrate the computer courseware into their classroom curriculum. Cost is $400.00 plus actual expenses for up to 20 teachers. Teachers will receive a brief overview of the Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself Approach, and detailed instruction in the use of both the administrative functions as well as specifics on student use and course content.
Quotes from President & Mrs. Bush
Reading is the foundation of all learning. Children must have good reading skills to succeed in every subject in school. Those who do not read well by the end of the third grade often have a difficult time catching up. Sadly, thousands of children can't read well in America.
According to a 1998 study, 68 percent of fourth-graders in our nation's lowest-income schools were unable to read at even a very basic level.
We may grow numb to statistics, but we cannot grow numb to our children. That so many children can't read is a clear indication of a fundamental failure of adult responsibility for children's lives and futures.
—Mrs. Laura Bush
Washington, D.C.
March 20, 2001
“We're focusing much of the teacher training effort on specific needs, like special education or math or science, and one of my passions, early reading," said the President. "The Reading First program is aimed at making sure every child of every background can read by the third grade.”
— President George W. Bush addressed the White House Conference
on Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers in the East Room March 4, 2002.
Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile. The most important result of reading together, though, is that it builds a strong foundation for reading later in life.
Doctors tell young parents that, just as the human touch fosters physical and emotional growth in babies, reading to babies also benefits a baby’s brain and emotional development.
— Mrs. Laura Bush
Reach Out and Read Event
Chicago, Illinois
May 14, 2001
Frequently Asked Questions: Implementing Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself in Your Classroom
How can I effectively teach the Discover Intensive Phonics method when I don't have any chalkboard space?
Before a teacher will go to the trouble of providing a standing workspace for each student, they must be convinced of the effectiveness of the active participation provided through direct, multi-sensory instruction. So, before we talk about space, lets look at the benefits! - first to the teacher, and then to the student.
Teachers:
- You won't have to grade papers at night!
- You will spend much less money on spelling books and other materials.
- Once you are familiar with the course, you'll need far less prep time.
- You will be able to see errors immediately and make the necessary corrections!
- You'll feel secure in knowing the phonics you're teaching is making sense and helping your students.
- You'll be able to tell if the students are listening and help them improve in their listening skills.
- You'll be able to tell if students are being courteous to one another.
- You'll see students grow in confidence, security and independence!
Students:
- They will be more engaged in the learning process by actively standing and participating.
- Because they are receiving direct, multi-sensory instruction, each student will have the advantage of being taught through a learning style that best meets his/her needs.
- They will learn listening skills that will help them in every subject.
- They will become sure about how to work with words. No more guessing!
- Their handwriting will improve.
- Their thinking skills, language arts, spelling, reading, and vocabulary will all improve because of things they will experience at the boards.
- They will learn to help one another, and learn respect and courtesy for those around them.
There is power in standing up at the boards that is not achieved when a student is sitting. Standing is active! Sitting is passive. Find the space! Make the space! Ask for the money needed! Recruit parents, PTA or volunteers to help make boards! (It's a great Eagle Scout project!) Do whatever it takes to get the children up and learning. The rewards are well worth it!
Ideas for extra workspace:
Small chalkboards can be purchased and put in small spaces around the room - even on doors. These smaller boards can be secured to the wall (or to carpeted wall) with Velcro.
If you don't want to buy them - make them!
- Using sturdy poster or masonite board, paint the surface with chalkboard paint. (Note: Brush-on paint works much better than spray paint when making chalkboards!) Apply two coats, sanding lightly after each application has dried. Season the board by holding a piece of chalk sideways and covering the entire surface with chalk. Rub it into the painted surface. Erase the chalk and you're ready to use the board! (The seasoning makes the board easier to write on and to clean.)
- Contact Paper is available in a chalkboard form. Simply purchase, season and it's ready to use!
- Static Cling sheets are great for student use. They are available at most office supply or stationery outlets and will cling to the wall, brick, carpet, wood - almost any surface. Cling sheets require the use of dry-erase markers. The sheets can be placed over the top of posters and other flat material on bulletin boards and then removed following dictation. Colored markers have a tendency to stain the surface somewhat, but the sheets can be cleaned with the same solution used to clean a white board.
- Butcher paper or newsprint can be tacked to bulletin boards. Markers are then used for writing, but be certain the markers do not go through the paper.
Once the boards are prepared, it is best to have them lined. Make lines that are 3 inches apart with a dotted line in between at 1 ½ inches. Permanent markers work on chalkboards. Visa Vis brand markers work on white boards (they won't erase, but can be removed with water if needed). The lines are critical for teaching handwriting and for helping with discipline at the board. Make 2 or 3 writing lines so children of different heights can reach them easily.
Assign an individual board or a space on the larger boards for each child. (These places can be rotated.) Placing a star or some other item on the floor to show the student where they should stand is also helpful.
**If you have questions you would like answered by one of our certified trainers, please e-mail HEC at info@readinghorizons.com.**
