Response to Intervention Update
3rd Edition March 2015--Mrs. Luscombe
Aaargghh Parents! Welcome to March is Reading Month at Northwood.
Reading truly helps expand the world for our children. It expands their language development. Language is not something we should take for granted or assume our children understand. It is very important that you talk and listen to your child/children. Allow them to explain, using words and sentences, not quick yes or no answers. Expect them to speak clearly and don't allow them to mumble. (Often during reading, a child will try to mumble through an unknown/tricky word. Insist that they "stretch their voice into and across the word.") Listen to their word choices. Are they expressing their ideas clearly? Are they saying words like "usta" instead of "used to" or "fer" instead of "for"? How you model language plays a huge part in how your child speaks too.
Having your child follow specific directions is a key way to help your child understand language. Try giving your child a two step direction. (Ex. "Put your plate in the sink and throw away your napkin.") See how long it takes them to process and follow the directions. Sure it would be easier for you to just do it for them, but don't. Children learn gradually and require repetition. That takes me right back to why we reread books. Our children need the repetition of reading familiar just right texts so that the words become second nature to them. They become "known" and "solid". Knowing a word today and then not tomorrow just tells you the word is "partially known". The same applies to math facts and concepts. If it's practiced, it becomes permanent. Your child gains added self-confidence and is a happier person.
SuccessMaker Math & SuccessMaker Reading Links
Feel free to have your child work on SuccessMaker at home. They are scheduled for 25 minute sessions. This would be a good way for you to see exactly what your child is working on during their RtI session. Have them explain the tools to you and how they can monitor their daily progress.
Front Row Math Link
Feel free to have your child work on Front Row math at home. It is directly correlated to the Common Core Standards. Remember that your child took an assessment test that placed them in their just right level. Have them explain the tools to you. Encourage them to listen to the question and then explain back to you what the question is asking them to do. This is a great way to check on your child's understanding of oral language.
Fast ForWord
Fast ForWord is an online reading intervention that uses the principles of brain science to treat the underlying cause of language and reading difficulties.