Unit 1: Corrective Reading and Read Naturally 1
Unit 1- Corrective Reading and Read Naturally: Understanding Their Purpose
The purpose of using the Corrective Reading program AND the Read Naturally software
The Read Naturally Program utilizes the idea of direct instruction. Direct instruction is where the educator follows a script and a way in which they keep their environment to maintain the highest level of understanding by the student. The concept of routine is why it is embraced by so many special education classrooms. Students who are placed in special education are in an environment that thrives on routine. So, the implementation of direct instruction follows the pedagogy of organization and structure and is why it is so quickly to be adapted by these classes. However, there is little remediation that is embedded into the Corrective Reading program by itself, aside from repeating the reading or the vocabulary. Thus, it is crucial for the educator who has some struggling students to follow up with the Read Naturally software which has many of the same aspects of the Corrective Reading program but presents the material in a different way. This allows for students to receive similar material but have more of a chance for comprehension. Also, this allows for teachers to have further data collected on the student to isolate the area of struggle. Lastly, the instructor, once able to present both aspects to the students, needs to personalize the way in which the material is delivered. Students to do not respond to an teacher that is merely reading the script. There needs to be rewards and a way to break up the rigidness that is presented in this style of instruction. As we progress through the units, you will learn not only how to present these styles but also how to personalize the instruction.
What to know before you begin the Corrective Reading and Read Naturally process
Important Words and Definitions
Direct Instruction- When a teacher has a lesson scripted from a program and presents it accordingly.
Cold Read- When a student reads a passage without having ever seen it or heard prior to the reading.
Fluency- How well a student can read a passage (quickly and correctly).
Comprehension- The understanding of material.
Vocabulary Development- Building the list of words a student knows by sight.
Data Collection- Documenting how well a student performs in a given activity.
Low tech- not using technology (computers, Ipads, or any other form of computerized technology).
Importance of Collecting Data from a Cold Read
Collecting data from a cold read allows the educator to track the students actual fluency levels. If a student has seen the text before than the student will have a chance to memorize or hear the words being read and this will not allow the educator to track how well a student can read on sight.
Watch the video below to understand how a cold read a data collection needs to be conducted. The data collection method for Corrective Reading will be slightly different but this video will explain the importance of "cold read" data collection.
What do I need to look for when collecting data?
Does the student complete the selection without an error? What constitutes an error? - Skips a word - Cannot pronounce a word after 3 seconds - Mispronounces a word - Looses place in the reading Does the complete the "Word Attack" portion? Does the student read the amount of words needed in the designated time? Does the student read the amount of words in the designated time within the amount of errors allowed? Does their S.T.A.R. behavior earn them extra points?
S.T.A.R.
S- Sit-up T- Track A- Answer R- Respect
These are the aspects of the classroom that needs to be maintained while the program is being executed. All students need to follow these rules: the students must sit-up (no resting their heads); they must track with their finger (following the words being read with their finger); they must answer on the signal; the students must respect all students reading.
Self Assessment
Answer the following question to check your understanding of Unit 1. Post in the Discussion tab:
- What is the importance of a cold read
- Why do I collect data?
- What is the difference between fluency and comprehension?
- What constitutes an error?
- What does S.T.A.R. mean?
- Do I have any questions about the purpose of using the Corrective Reading program AND Read Naturally software? If yes, what are they?
- Can I see myself implementing these strategies into my own classroom?