Humans Can Read

12/21/2023

Written language, especially alphabetic writing, may be the most world-changing invention of all human history. - Louisa Moats

09/29/2023

🤣😂

08/08/2023

So many people are finding their voice and through courage, finally sharing their story of being dyslexic.

I could tell you I am fantastic at everything, but I’d be lying.

I just finished recording my audiobook, Be Useful. It comes out October 10. I could tell you how amazing it was to sit down and record my own words, but the truth is, I was absolutely dreading it.

Here’s my secret: I’m a terrible reader. They didn’t talk about learning disabilities in Austria in the 1950s, so most of the time, when I was asked to read out loud in class, it was just a disaster, and I got smacked with a ruler. But now I know that I’m dyslexic.

When I prepare for a movie, I read the script over and over for months until I’ve memorized every line. I need time and reps to get my mind around the words.

They told me authors ready their books in 2 or 3 days at the studio. I asked for the recording equipment at home and told them I’d do 20-30 pages a day. That way I could log in with the director and producer twice a day for shorter sessions and I could practice non-stop in between.

In this process, I used my own lessons.

1. I let myself dread it and complain for a minute, but then I forced myself to get moving, because denial wasn’t going to get it recorded.
2. I did so many reps I couldn’t count. I broke it up into small pieces, knowing that small wins build up into big victories, or in this case, a whole book.
3. I had the help of a fantastic team. My own team, but also the producers and directors Nithya, Danny, and Kris, and Eric who set up the equipment. All of us need help; none of us are self made.

When you listen to the audiobook, I hope you’re inspired, not just by the words, but by the process of recording them. You can pre-order now at BeUsefulBook.com and subscribe to my newsletter if you want stories like this in your inbox at ArnoldsPumpClub.com

08/08/2023

What is background knowledge and how does it fit into the science of reading?
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-background-knowledge-and-how-does-it-fit-into-the-science-of-reading/2023/01?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=soc&utm_campaign=edit&fbclid=IwAR0EOxn0SYOtDzYQFuNTgeaVcPoeyVG_DUxvj8OkOwYHVGCSEK06cpkyHQ8&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

What a greater focus on content could mean for reading instruction.

08/03/2023

Beginning and Early Reader classes are forming now!

CLASSES START SEPTEMBER 4th!

In this class, language is explicitly taught through multisensory techniques, which involve the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. This class, designed for early readers, will focus on phonics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills. The Orton-Gillingham method will be implemented in a structured, sequential, and cumulative way to help students develop strong reading and writing skills.

Each week we will work on a new letter sound, phonemic awareness, sight words, and more using a multi-sensory approach. Students will be read a book that matches that week’s letter, and students will practice letter sounds so they learn to decode (reading) and eventually encode (spelling).

Classes are Monday & Wednesday for 55 minutes. Each class is limited to just 10 students, so be sure to sign up early to save your spot.

Class is taught by an Orton-Gillingham trained instructor. Students will be required to have a laptop or iPad to use for the live sessions. Additional materials not provided include sand, crayons, highlighters, and a printer to print out materials. A list with links will be provided.

Using multi-sensory teaching methods, students are taught new concepts including letter sounds, red words (sight words) and more.

07/20/2023

Orthographic mapping cannot be taught.

05/01/2023

What a great list!

Happy Children's Book Week!

Check out our list of 30+ works of fiction to inspire kids who love nature and the outdoors.

They range from survival stories (my kids' favorites) to garden adventures to animal escapades, all encouraging a connection to nature.

Happy reading!

https://getthekidsoutside.com/fiction-nature-books-for-kids/