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∑merging Readers Need Help Now!

By Mike Flynn on May 25, 2016 0

Young or ∑merging Readers need to develop their understanding of letters and sounds, phonemic awareness (how sounds work together) and reading fluency. For students who are at risk of retention in the early years of school, teachers will often suggest an early reading intervention method (ERIM). Though this sounds like a disability, most often young readers struggle because they have not developed at the same rate as others. Just like some kids growing later than their friends, some readers take a bit more time to start reading than their classmates. Taking action now is critical for a young reader who is late developing. These students need extra time and help to catch up to avoid further struggle or worse, labeling by teachers and schools.

If you have a young reader who is struggling, your first steps should be to focus on alphabetic principle and phonological awareness, followed by fluency with connected text.

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60% of High School Graduates Not Ready for College

By Mike Flynn on May 17, 2016 0

Did you know that 60% of high school graduates are not prepared for college? It’s true. Several studies show that a high school diploma is no longer enough to properly prepare students for college. This “college preparation gap” is the widest it has been since 1992.

The College Board, makers of the SAT, found that the majority of university professors viewed incoming college freshmen students are “ill-prepared and over-stimulated.” Professors stated that students lacked the analytical reading skills and attention span to be successful in their classes. Professors have noted that students can’t go more than 15 or 20 minutes without picking up their cell phone. In fact, experiments have been conducted that show heart rates and blood pressure spike when students hear their phone ring but can’t answer. Some professors have attempted to incorporate games into their lectures where using a cell phone is required. Other professors have simply given up and provide technology breaks every 15 or 20 minutes in order to keep students focused.

Do you think our schools are doing enough to prepare our children? Are we naive by thinking that our kids are ready for the next step?

Read the original article.

The Forgotten Middle

By Mike Flynn on May 13, 2016 0

Did you know that the level of academic readiness students reach by eighth grade has a greater impact on their college readiness than anything that happens academically in high school? It is true. A report by the ACT (makers of the ACT college entrance exam), shows that 80% of middle school students are not on track to be successful in high school.

Unfortunately, technology, with all of its wonders, is rewiring middle schoolers brains to the point where they simply are ready for high school success. For those that aren’t ready for high school, the path to college is that much harder. While it is true that not everyone should go to college, we can’t be letting kids make these decisions. Give students the best opportunity to be successful, then, and only then, decide if college is the best path.

What can you do if your child isn’t ready? The first step is usually start reading. Not just pleasure reading, but reading for a purpose. Since analytical reading and critical thinking skills are something required for success on college entrance exams, the earlier you can start teaching these skills, the better. If you don’t know how to teach these fundamental skills, you are in luck – we do! Give us a call at 844-56-GENIUS or email us at info@engeniuslearning.com.

Click here to read more about the Forgotten Middle.

Should We Ban Homework in Schools?

By Mike Flynn on May 12, 2016 0

Should we ban homework? Do kids do enough schoolwork already and it is really the extra homework that is holding kids back? If you agree, then you should pick up the Heather Shumaker’s book “It’s Okay to Go Up the Slide.” Shumaker argues that parents should not pressure children into unrealistic expectations. Shumaker goes on to say that when adult expectations clash with child development, parents should change rather than trying to force the child to change.

While much of what she says is true, Shumaker neglects to point out that learning to cope with stress is a vital life skill. Homework, in the right amounts and focused on the right things can be very beneficial.

If we use sports, music or dance as examples, to get better, the key is to practice. While too much practice may have a limited return on investment, mindful, focused practice can pay huge dividends. Maybe the concept of homework is not at fault, but the amount, type and degree of difficulty assigned is? No sense in practicing Mozart on the piano if we can’t play Chopsticks, right? If your child is struggling with homework, contact us and we can assess if that is the issue

What do you think?

To read the original article, go to

http://www.salon.com/…/ban_homework_it_doesnt_help_little_…/

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