Reading Instruction in Elementary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

What does your child know? Is there an expectation that kids read at all by the end of K?

Of course kids should have some level of reading by the end of K. The minimum in MCPS is level D.

This is the first I’ve heard about of these letters (I just had to google). Did you ask your teacher for this or did they provide? We just get the report card marks (P, etc.).

I think you have to ask the teacher?


Mcps is weird because they start out with numbers (1-16, which DRA) then they switched to J-z which is aligned with Fontas and Pinnell. You can usually look up conversion charts so that you can see that like a four and a d are about the same. The goal is usually to get a kindergarten student to about a four to a six, a first grader should be reading at about a 16 or a j and second graders should be at an M

None of this information is on the report card . I really hate the mcps report cards where there is no comments or anything personal about the report card I don't know if that was a decision made for secondary where teachers have hundreds of students I don't think it's fair to elementary school age kids they don't get any comments on their report card.

They stopped providing that on the report card a few years ago. If you don't have kids in MCPS, please don't post.

PP literally just said it wasn’t on the report card. But now I know what to ask the teacher for- thanks to the PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

It is normal through 2nd grade. I teach KG and I'd say a good 1/3 of my students mix them up despite explicit instruction.

Our DC's doctor said it's normal through 2nd grade as well. She's now in 2nd grade and may occasionally confuse b/d but doesn't have dyslexia. What helped was a printout I found: b=belly, d=diaper. And there are silly stick-person drawings to contrast the two letters. Every time she'd confuse the two, I'd bring out the drawings and she'd get it, until next time.

I'm the KG teacher above. I teach students to write the letter "d" by first writing a "c" and then adding the line. We say "c comes before d" as they write it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

It is normal through 2nd grade. I teach KG and I'd say a good 1/3 of my students mix them up despite explicit instruction.

Our DC's doctor said it's normal through 2nd grade as well. She's now in 2nd grade and may occasionally confuse b/d but doesn't have dyslexia. What helped was a printout I found: b=belly, d=diaper. And there are silly stick-person drawings to contrast the two letters. Every time she'd confuse the two, I'd bring out the drawings and she'd get it, until next time.

I'm the KG teacher above. I teach students to write the letter "d" by first writing a "c" and then adding the line. We say "c comes before d" as they write it.



B comes before C so that trick doesn’t at all help my 7 yo with dyslexia from reversing them in writing or reading. What multisensory techniques do you use? Are kids using their whole body to make these letters or are you just expecting them to use their undeveloped little hands?

Thought so

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

It is normal through 2nd grade. I teach KG and I'd say a good 1/3 of my students mix them up despite explicit instruction.

Our DC's doctor said it's normal through 2nd grade as well. She's now in 2nd grade and may occasionally confuse b/d but doesn't have dyslexia. What helped was a printout I found: b=belly, d=diaper. And there are silly stick-person drawings to contrast the two letters. Every time she'd confuse the two, I'd bring out the drawings and she'd get it, until next time.

I'm the KG teacher above. I teach students to write the letter "d" by first writing a "c" and then adding the line. We say "c comes before d" as they write it.



B comes before C so that trick doesn’t at all help my 7 yo with dyslexia from reversing them in writing or reading. What multisensory techniques do you use? Are kids using their whole body to make these letters or are you just expecting them to use their undeveloped little hands?

Thought so

We use sand in small groups each day and on Fridays, we use shaving cream, Playdoh, etc.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

now you've done it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

It makes my blood boil... Professor Calkins does not believe she has anything to apologize for....And, she asked, shouldn’t the phonics-first camp apologize? “Are people asking whether they’re going to apologize for overlooking writing?” she said.

Unfortunately MCPS, is still going to be doing a Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy Hybrid for the foreseeable future. If the Lower School Reading thread on the Private Board is accurate, there are only a few schools in the whole region who truly use structured literacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

It makes my blood boil... Professor Calkins does not believe she has anything to apologize for....And, she asked, shouldn’t the phonics-first camp apologize? “Are people asking whether they’re going to apologize for overlooking writing?” she said.

Unfortunately MCPS, is still going to be doing a Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy Hybrid for the foreseeable future. If the Lower School Reading thread on the Private Board is accurate, there are only a few schools in the whole region who truly use structured literacy.

To me it doesn't matter, they only meet with my kid in a small group maybe once a month because they're so overwhelmed with all the kids struggling.

[Anonymous]

Anyone concerned about their child not reading in k or 1st, or deciding well in 2nd or above you can easily buy quality phonics programs and teach your child yourself. Some good programs are
All About Reading
Abecedarian
If your child just needs some review here are 10-15 minute programs that you just open a book and go:
Dancing Bears reading (a British program synthetic phonics)
Phonics Pathways

Spend 10-15 minutes every day over the summer working with your child. It will make a huge difference
If you aren’t able to force yourself to do it and you need an external push then Kumon reading is phonics based and your child is required to do 10-15 minutes a day every day.

[Anonymous]

^Decoding not deciding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

It makes my blood boil... Professor Calkins does not believe she has anything to apologize for....And, she asked, shouldn’t the phonics-first camp apologize? “Are people asking whether they’re going to apologize for overlooking writing?” she said.

Unfortunately MCPS, is still going to be doing a Balanced Literacy and Structured Literacy Hybrid for the foreseeable future. If the Lower School Reading thread on the Private Board is accurate, there are only a few schools in the whole region who truly use structured literacy.

To me it doesn't matter, they only meet with my kid in a small group maybe once a month because they're so overwhelmed with all the kids struggling.

It should matter to all of us because 1) fewer kids would be struggling if reading was taught correctly and our kids might get more attention and 2) it’s a moral and economic imperative to teach kids in our country to read

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone concerned about their child not reading in k or 1st, or deciding well in 2nd or above you can easily buy quality phonics programs and teach your child yourself. Some good programs are
All About Reading
Abecedarian
If your child just needs some review here are 10-15 minute programs that you just open a book and go:
Dancing Bears reading (a British program synthetic phonics)
Phonics Pathways

Spend 10-15 minutes every day over the summer working with your child. It will make a huge difference
If you aren’t able to force yourself to do it and you need an external push then Kumon reading is phonics based and your child is required to do 10-15 minutes a day every day.

That is OK for parents who realize that there is a problem..But MCPS should be providing basic high quality instruction to our students, and especially students whose parents don't have the free time to float around on these boards, buy supplemental instructions, and teach the kids themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

so phonics is out again?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone concerned about their child not reading in k or 1st, or deciding well in 2nd or above you can easily buy quality phonics programs and teach your child yourself. Some good programs are
All About Reading
Abecedarian
If your child just needs some review here are 10-15 minute programs that you just open a book and go:
Dancing Bears reading (a British program synthetic phonics)
Phonics Pathways

Spend 10-15 minutes every day over the summer working with your child. It will make a huge difference
If you aren’t able to force yourself to do it and you need an external push then Kumon reading is phonics based and your child is required to do 10-15 minutes a day every day.

That is OK for parents who realize that there is a problem..But MCPS should be providing basic high quality instruction to our students, and especially students whose parents don't have the free time to float around on these boards, buy supplemental instructions, and teach the kids themselves.

These days they have little to no time to spend with average kids even. Count yourself lucky if your kid is getting any reading instruction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Glad to hear MCPS is moving away from phonics. This article from todays New York Times is another sign that balanced literacy approach was a disaster.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/22/us/reading-teaching-curriculum-phonics.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR17AZykPVrMtcNOT3PXryqY-JUoslbR2NpGNs8_-9LmlIXt4RCfUkO8EZY

so phonics is out again?

Phonics is included within Structured Literacy.

https://news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/quicknotes/the-shift-to-structured-literacy-in-elementary-schools/