Impact children

Not too long ago, I found myself immersed in a Princeton Review LSAT course, determined to conquer the LSAT with speed and efficiency. However, it soon became apparent that I had a significant gap in my reading skills. But trust me, I wasn’t the only applicant grappling with this challenge.

In today’s landscape, the national median LSAT score hovers around 150, which means the average score is probably closer to 148. This statistic speaks volumes about the changing pool of applicants. To stay afloat, numerous law schools have had to lower their admission standards, shedding light on the shortcomings of our education system.

First and foremost, many programs fall short in fostering essential skills: reading, discussion, and writing. What our education system needs are high-quality books, robust discussions, and explicit writing instruction. Sadly, most programs are deficient in these areas critical for reading, writing, and speaking effectively.

This is precisely why I decided to homeschool my son. My goal was to unearth the best curriculum and bolster it with an intensive phonics regimen – an absolute must. We’ve immersed ourselves in extensive reading and listening to both fiction and nonfiction books, all thanks to the treasure trove offered by Usborne Books & More.

The key realization is that children come to reading at their own pace. Some may start at the tender age of 4, while others might not begin until age 6. In light of this, it’s imperative that we stop slotting kids into grades and instead match them according to their reading level. As for writing, it should kick off at around 7 years of age.

Allow me to share with you a comprehensive English curriculum that I’ve developed for my son, one that I believe can work effectively in most schools.

Reading: When my son embarked on his reading journey at the age of 6, we dived into an intensive phonics program. However, it didn’t end there. We read aloud extensively and engaged in discussions about what we read. This approach extended across all subjects, with audio books further enriching the experience. My son was also tasked with daily reading, often from dual readers, combining his own reading with my read-aloud sessions. Achieving reading vocabulary and fluency necessitates at least an hour of daily reading, both by the teacher and the parent.

Thanks to homeschooling, I have the privilege of being the curriculum developer, ensuring that my child-student delves into an array of quality texts each week. Our arsenal is brimming with valuable resources, courtesy of Usborne Books & More. Starting with letter and number recognition in kindergarten, we gradually built a strong foundation.

Discussions: Encouraging students to engage in discussions, debates, and seminars starting at 7 or 8 years old is pivotal. At 6, my son was still in the preschool phase, indulging in free play with a sprinkle of structured activities. However, they need consistent and specific guidance on speaking clearly, audibly, and courteously across all subjects and grade levels. My son, for instance, is required to deliver a weekly presentation at his Classical Conversations Community – an invaluable exercise in honing communication skills. Even as early as 2 to 6 years old, we immersed ourselves in nursery rhymes and stories, nurturing essential skills.

Writing: Some children may not develop the motor skills required for writing until they are around 7 years old. So, I advocate commencing formal writing instruction when the child is ready. In my son’s case, he displayed readiness at the age of 7 but he was not keen on working. Prior to this, we emphasized art, fine-tuning his motor skills and pencil grip, a crucial precursor to writing. I firmly believe that writing instruction should be tailored to the child’s readiness.

I understand the challenges teachers face, with classrooms often filled with 30 students, each at different reading, writing, and speaking levels. That’s why I propose a shift toward grouping students based on their reading and writing levels.

Grammar: My approach to grammar is gradual. I introduce it lightly once a child is reading chapter books, usually around age 8. The emphasis, however, remains on mastering phonics and reading. By age 8, students should not only be taught grammar but also encouraged to write about their reading, analyze it, compare different texts, and explain their interpretations. Around 12-14, they should delve into crafting arguments and justifying their interpretations. Before this, they should be proficient in using dictionaries and encyclopedias. Copy work can begin as early as age 7 or 8, continuing until the child progresses to chapter books, typically around age 8 or 9.

Reading Comprehension: Once a child reads fluently and proficiently, with a rich background of read-aloud and audiobooks, it’s time to incorporate reading comprehension into a comprehensive grammar program. Vocabulary instruction and background knowledge should precede each reading session. Teachers should model purposeful reading, teaching kids how to analyze texts, answer questions, underline, annotate, and take efficient notes, ideally from around 8 years of age. However, this process should be gradual, adjusted to each child’s reading skill.

While many kids naturally follow the expected age milestones in their education, it’s essential to recognize that a significant number of children face challenges in keeping up with their peers. Why? Well, let’s be honest – almost every kid would prefer play over work any day of the week.

The truth is, the conventional education system often sets rigid expectations for children based on their age, assuming that they should all progress at the same pace. But the reality couldn’t be farther from this ideal. Just as every child is unique, so too is their developmental journey.

Imagine a classroom bustling with eager minds, each with its own rhythm and pace of growth. Some kids may effortlessly grasp reading, writing, and speaking skills at a tender age, while others might take a bit longer to catch up. And here’s the kicker: there’s nothing wrong with that.

As parents and educators, we must embrace this diversity in learning styles and timelines. Rather than forcing every child into the same mold, we should encourage them to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace, ensuring they have the foundation needed to excel when they are truly ready.

This principle underlines the essence of the comprehensive approach I’ve outlined. It’s a recognition that education isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Instead, it’s a dynamic and personalized journey that respects the individuality of each child.

So, whether your child is an early reader or takes a little more time to find their literary footing, know that they are on a unique path toward unlocking their full potential. And that journey, my friends, is something truly special.

It’s high time that schools shed their fixation on age-based placement and shift towards reading-level-based grouping, coupled with increased teacher-student interaction. Small group instruction, with teachers actively participating and guiding reading, should replace excessive independent learning centers. Early grades should prioritize play, while middle grades should focus on mastering reading skills, a prerequisite for comprehension.

As various educational entities develop and enhance literacy programs, it’s vital that they heed the principles I’ve outlined. Doing so will undoubtedly result in improved reading proficiency rates nationwide, subsequently benefiting all academic areas.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, and I send you all my love,

Marla Benavides

P.S. Explore our phonics programs by visiting my bookstore. Your child’s reading journey deserves the best!