Who We are

Inspiring readers is an incredibly important aspect of reading instruction that is often overlooked.  Inspiration takes many forms.  I will often talk to a student about what they already know and why I believe that they are behind their reading goals.  Additionally I explain to them exactly what they need to do in order to make a positive change.  Giving readers the power to take control of their own reading greatly improves their willingness to try their very best.  

Proof of progress is another key to really teaching people how to read, especially if they have struggled with reading throughout their lives.  Many readers begin with a negative image of themselves as readers.  I believe that this self-image is my biggest obstacle in inspiring a reader to work their absolute best, so how do we change this.  We offer concrete proof of intelligence and ability.  Progress Reading is built on the premise that a reader should know what they can and cannot do.  They should be made aware of it in a kind and honest way that allows them to work towards and achieve goals throughout the learning process.  These little successes will work together to create a wealth of evidence that they are intelligent and capable of learning to read.

Why should we work so very hard to learn to read?  It is in fact a great deal of work.  There are no shortcuts or cheats that can take a student from ABC sound learner to chapter books in a weekend.  There is in fact only one way to get better at reading, reading.  So why do all of this work?  Reading is amazing!  It wakes up imaginations and creates entire worlds of understanding.  It allows us to know life in other times, seek out new information and function in everyday society.  

Finally I come to another key component of Progress Reading, the joy of reading.  I goof off with books in my classroom.  I make silly noises and sing off-key.  I stop my feet and roar.  I whisper and sometimes I cry.  I have absolute favorite books that my students cannot wait to read.  They sit in the corner and read Frog and Toad with gravely voices and make extra wide mouths while reading The Wide Mouthed Frog.  My students are excited to read books.  Parents talk about their kids making voices under their covers at night.  Adults sneak in and listen to me read.  Playing with books is incredibly powerful.