Phonological Skills
Halifax Learning, SpellRead providers in Nova Scotia, take pride in providing practical information to families seeking support for their literacy needs. To make this process easier, we've compiled a list of 10 FAQs that we recommend you ask us and any other service providers you may visit!
Are you looking for literacy support and feeling overwhelmed, confused or frustrated? Let Halifax Learning help.
You should know exactly what you’re signing up for and we strive to empower our visitors with accurate and practical information. We know there are other programs out there and that you will do your due diligence in making a final decision for you and your family. To make this process easier, we've compiled a list of 9 FAQs that we recommend you ask us and any other service providers you may visit!
1. Does your program address the 5 core skills needed to become a skilled reader?
Research has identified five core components to inform effective reading instruction.- Phonological Awareness
- Phonics
- Vocabulary Development
- Reading Fluency
- Reading Comprehension
2. How do you measure student progress?
SpellRead provides a clear path for your child to master phonological automaticity, to transfer those skills and to become efficient readers. Our program is explicit, systematic, multi-sensory, evidence-driven and meets the needs of even the most struggling learner.
SpellRead integrates on-going assessment and evaluation through carefully designed card packs for timed reading. This ensures students achieve automatic recognition of the letter, sound relationship. Students work toward realistic goals, receive on-going review and individualized instruction. Did we mention you can play fun games with the packs too!
Each class students participate in reading aloud and independent writing. After each class our teachers assign a score from our carefully designed rubrics. These scores inform our teachers in their selection of reading material and mini-lessons designed to remediate common errors.
Finally, Halifax Learning takes pride in communicating student progress with families. We are fortunate to have face time with parents and guardians after each class and we are eager to provide updates and celebrate success!
3. What results can we expect and in what time period? Are they sustainable?
Our goal is to bring skills to the point at, or above grade level, within one year.
We administer assessments for all new enrollments, midway and upon completion of the recommended registration in the SpellRead program. Our results are sustainable and the research supports it!
4. What professionals refer to you?
We have a long list of individuals that refer to us including clinical psychologists, teachers, speech language pathologists and community groups but our number one source of referrals come from our graduates and their families!5. Who are the teachers?
Our teachers come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: A love of reading and student success! Our teachers have on average 9.5 years of SpellRead teaching experience.
Halifax Learning is also committed to investing in professional development and lifelong learning. Click here for a list of upcoming conferences and online training.
6. How are they trained?
Our teachers participate in a week long training in the SpellRead methodology. After successful completion of the initial training, teachers are regularly observed and submit daily reports after each class. Experienced SpellRead teachers provide bi-weekly feedback to ensure students are meeting outcomes and progressing at the expected rate.
7. Has your program been independently reviewed? If so, can we see the research?
Does it ever! Click here to review our extensive research library.
Did you know SpellRead was rated #1 by What Works Clearing House for small-group reading instruction!
8. What will your reading assessment provide?
Our assessment measures the 5 core skills, listed above, required to become a skilled reader. Our clients are provided with a digital copy of the initial, progress and final assessment reports that clearly compare results and show progress.
9. Why do you do what you do?
Because reading doesn't just happen. There is a science to it. We can all do better to ensure our children receive reading instruction that we know works. When you know better, you do better and the science is unequivocally clear. It just so happens that Halifax Learning has been delivering this science-based reading instructional method for over twenty years and guess what? The results are clear! We've changed over 4,000 lives and we're making plans for 400,000 more.
Don't wait. Trust the experts.
Enroll today so your child can enjoy everything that is magical about reading!
