HELP STRUGGLING READERS WITH COMPREHENSION FOR THE NON-ROUTINE USING THE SOUNDS OF WORDS

Struggling readers are able to develop routines that help them function in everyday situations. They are able to get information and entertainment from telephone, television, radio, internet, dvds, cds and Mp3 players. High-functioning readers use the same sources, and follow the same routines. But what happens when a storm knocks out electric power? What if there is damage to the living area? A whole house generator and the ability to fuel it will be helpful. However, a majority of households are solely dependent on the power company, so routines fail.

Suddenly, many sources are no longer available, and, with prolonged/widespread outage, all of the routine is gone. Damage to the living area causes more problems. High-functioning readers seek information elsewhere. Print media is available to inform them of emergency services. They find information about the outage by locating and contacting the agencies that can help. They may be able to go to get help. They take advantage of any water, ice, and food distribution. Print media informs them of "survival" ideas. And they have newspapers, magazines, and books to take with them wherever they need to be. They fight their way through many unusual challenges.

Struggling readers lose their sources of information and entertainment, and lose their routines. But, they are unable to independently take advantage of print media. So they need extra assistance to get through the challenges. Without extra assistance, they cannot solve the problems related to storms and power outages.

To prevent these extra problems, the teacher/parent can help struggling readers improve reading skills, using The Sounds Of Words. Help students learn how to concretely and multi-sensorily decode any words they are struggling with. Help students be able to read and comprehend the information that they need/want to read!