Literacy
Reading LINK - literacy enhancement and proficiency
For more information, please download this brochure about Reading LINK.
Every now and then a breakthrough in science takes place – this is one of those times.
Reading LINK transforms the teaching of literacy.
Reading LINK – Decoding is a systematic and carefully structured approach to teaching reading and spelling. Based on scientific research, this cutting edge program builds foundation skills in unlocking the code of written language. It provides a sequence of challenging tasks with which learners experience continuous success, enjoyment and enhanced self as competent readers and writers.
About literacy
There are many claims as to the correct approach to learning to read. These range from the commonly accepted phonics and whole word approaches, to other systems which range from the incomplete to the bizarre! Many literacy programs have failed because the learning strategies they employ are critically flawed. Many traditional 'phonics' programs teach students letter-sounds but they fail to teach students how to use knowledge of letter-sounds to work out or decode words. This is the key to learning to read. This can cause learners to develop poor habits which create problems in comprehension and have an enduring negative impact on their learning. The eventual result is poor literacy, reduced self-esteem and, in many cases, disaffection from school and learning.
The findings of the National Enquiry into the Teaching of Literacy, published in December 2005, had this to say as to the teaching of the fundamentals of literacy in Australian schools:
The Inquiry found strong evidence that a whole-language approach to the teaching of reading on its own is not in the best interests of children, particularly those experiencing reading difficulties. Moreover, where there is unsystematic or no phonics instruction, children's literacy progress is significantly impeded, inhibiting their initial and subsequent growth in reading accuracy, fluency, writing, spelling and comprehension.
About the author
Dr Carol Christensen of The University of Queensland's School of Education is an internationally-renowned researcher in the areas of learning and literacy. Her program is the culmination of many years as a university researcher and lecturer combined with her experience in working with many thousands of teachers and students.
Her distinctive approach has been shown to significantly accelerate early reading skills. It is also successful with students with special needs such as dyslexia or learning difficulties. Dr Christensen argues that all students can master the challenge of learning to read and write.
About Reading LINK
Dr Christensen's program addresses reading and spelling by first providing a systematic, structured approach to teaching students to blend letter-sound correspondences together to work out unfamiliar words. In doing this, the program builds very high levels of proficiency. It also builds students' sight-word vocabulary and at the same time, provides the foundations for comprehension by providing experiences that encourage students to engage in the ideas expressed in text.
Reading LINK is based on a systematic, structured approach to development of higher levels of reading and spelling skills. In the process of building these skills, it provides increasingly challenging tasks whereby students experience continual success. The program ensures mastery of the process through carefully sequenced practice and monitoring of performance. Thus, students develop a strong sense of themselves as competent and capable readers and writers.
Regardless of their age, learners can work through the program at a level that provides challenging tasks at which they experience continual success, enjoyment and enhanced sense of self. Reading LINK does not come with proscribed readers leaving teachers free to choose reading material that will better suit the age and interests of their students.
The Committee recommends that teachers provide systematic, direct and explicit phonics instruction so that children master the essential alphabetic code-breaking skills required for foundational reading proficiency.
For more information, please download this brochure about Reading LINK.
Becoming a Reading LINK school
Many secondary schools are now adopting Reading LINK as their whole school literacy program. In order for the students to gain the benefits of the Reading LINK program the system must be implemented correctly. To assist schools with this process, KBS and Dr Carol Christensen will be running regular Reading LINK seminars. Please contact KBS for details.
Reading LINK Professional Development
Venue: The University of Queensland
Dates:
February 8, 2008
April 4, 2008
May 30, 2008
July 25, 2008
September 26, 2008
November 21, 2008
Time: 12:25 pm - 3:30 pm
Price: $75 per person
Ph: 07 3876 8046
Email: ca.christensen@uq.edu.au
