I don't remember how I learned to read....

Think back to when you were in elementary school...kindergarten, first grade, second grade...

Do you remember how you learned to read?

Personally, I was in elementary school in the 80s and learned my letters, formation, and sounds in kindergarten.  In first grade, I was pulled to a reading group that I know was the "low" group.  I figured out what the words said, but I always struggled with comprehension.  I don't ever remember picking up a book for fun or out of curiosity.  My standard test scores were below average, and I spent hours at a learning center. When a reading assignment was given, I counted the pages and broke it up evenly so I would finish on time.  I don't remember how I decoded (sounded out) words or used any reading strategies. I don't even remember being taught how useful strategies could be to unlock meaning.

With that being said, I turned out alright. Actually, better than alright.  My passion to teach reading sparked many many years before I even knew it.  I wanted to help children systematically decode and encode a word. I needed to help children extrapolate information from texts, then think critically about everything they read.  Long story a bit shorter....this is why I am a reading specialist. I have neglected this blog for too long. It is time to show you all how children can learn to read and read to learn.  Stay Tuned!