Reading Development Program for Entering 2nd Graders
INDEPENDENT READING
This program integrates skills development with a lot of independent reading, both in class and at home. Establishing the regular habit of independent reading in books at the appropriate level of difficulty is the cornerstone of a child’s reading development.
All of the books taught in class and read during home practice are Easy Readers 2, the appropriate level for most entering second graders. Written for children approaching fluency, these books contain a substantial amount of text, but their limited vocabulary includes words entering second graders can read, and they are heavily illustrated to support comprehension. They feature interesting characters and wonderful stories, sparking students’ enthusiasm for reading.
In class:
In each lesson, students read independently in an Easy Reader with guided support from the teacher. The teacher first reads the book aloud; when children are familiar with a story, it’s easier for them to try reading the book on their own. Then, students read the story themselves while the teacher circulates to provide individual support.
The teacher also uses a process called assisted reading for the first few pages. During assisted reading, the teacher reads aloud a page slowly while the students follow along. Then, students read the same page on their own. This provides a strong memory trace, which helps weaker readers get a solid start on the story.
Throughout the reading period, the teacher stops for brief comprehension-building discussions focused on identifying with characters, predicting events, and understanding beginning-middle-end story structure.
At home:
For home practice, students read independently four times during the week, for ten to twenty minutes per session. For the first week or two, students read two books provided in their program materials. After that, they choose books for independent reading from the Reading Development Booklist. In the fourth lesson, teachers provide parents with an individual Book-Level Recommendation for their child which will help them select books at the appropriate level of difficulty throughout second grade.
Students also receive a Video Companion DVD for the book we provide for their first week of home practice, The Adventures of Snail at School, by John Stadler. After reading the book, students watch the Video Companion, which provides comprehension support and fluency training similar to class instruction.
As a result of the substantial independent reading children do in this program, along with skills development, students come away more fluent, confident, and motivated to read.