Some might say that writing is the last skill, or even the hardest skill to develop amongst these four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Regardless of the complexity of the skill, we know that evidence-based instructional methods provide students with the tools they need.
"The fisherman's huts are small but mighty as they conquer the gusty day. The beach will soon be even smoother and more unique than the first time. I will never forget the exceptional visit to the island. But there is still so much more to explore."
Last week at a planning meeting Sarah read our team a piece of writing with no introduction. She simply began. I assumed it was written by our SL-P and published author, Natalie, but I was stunned when she exposed the true author.
Meet Anna! She's 11 years old and, like most kids, doesn't jump for joy when handed a five paragraph essay assignment from her classroom teacher. In fact, she wrote it in just 20 minutes after procrastinating for days. You can read the rest of Anna's inspired piece of writing below. Anna is a SpellRead graduate, has attended summer camps and will be joining us this summer as a Junior Camp Leader! We're proud to have Anna on our team this year and we look forward to supporting her as she supports our campers!
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We don't mean to brag, but this kid can write and we know why!
Anna has had the privilege of being immersed in evidence-based instructional methods that develop solid, sustainable literacy skills since day one. Right now, a child participating in a program such as SpellRead is privileged and often a reaction to years of struggle and anguish by their parents.
We think that needs to change so more of our youth can produce inspiring, impassioned pieces of writing such as Anna's essay below.
Anna is like most kids. She loves spending time with her friends, being active and occasionally complains about school work. But Anna has the fundamental skills she needs to push through the torment of being an pre-teen and can get it done.
Some might say that writing is the last skill, or even the hardest skill to develop amongst these four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Regardless of the complexity of the skill, we know that evidence-based instructional methods provide students with the tools they need and the best opportunity to produce captivating and thought-provoking pieces of writing.
I write, because I read.
Michael Chabon, author, credits his writing skills to his love of reading. We know all students can learn to read and one of the many reasons we need them to do so efficiently and effectively is to provide the world with the gift of writers like Anna and Michael Chabon!
Click here to listen to Michael Chabon describe his love of reading and writing in this CBC podcast, "Michael Chabon on reading, writing and Captain Picard."
There are five core components to inform effective reading instruction and we're proud to say SpellRead was designed with them in mind.
What are the 5 core components in developing reading?
- Phonological Awareness
- Phonics
- Vocabulary Development
- Reading Fluency
- Reading Comprehension
Download our free guide, "All Children Reading Well" to learn more.
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Anna's Essay
Me and my dad had just unbooked from the outstanding campsite. We were heading to a new place to stay for two nights, it was a motel that looked like fisherman's huts jammed together. Once we got to the motel my eyes wouldn’t close. It was about mid day and the sun was shining bright in the sky. There was so much to look at but the smell was superior. It was like someone had just sprinkled sea salt everywhere for supper! However, the first things that caught my eye were the marvelous looking motels and their colors!
As I bound towards the motel, I thought that what was located in front of me was an enchanted rainbow. I anticipated that I was going to be rich! Underneath my feet was some of the most delicate grass I’ve ever felt and the motel looked honestly like a cartoon right out of the T.V. The other houses around the motel resembled nothing else except some flat dull colors.
As my eyes drifted to another spectacular view, I saw one of the most delightful beaches I’ve ever seen, particularly from all the dunes covering the beach. As I descended down the rickety ladder, I pivoted around and found myself gazing into these miniscule openings in between these monstrously giant boulders. In my opinion, they were more like little somber grotos.
The water was the last thing that my eyes saw as I swung around to look at all of its glory. It was like hopping into a whimsical fairytale world! The overlapping waves invited me for an exciting race to the shore. Although the water was bubbling at the shoreline the rest of the water was quite clear. As I looked down, I saw myself as if looking into a mirror. My sight would keep going down past the water to where the seaglass was getting jammed in between two pieces of coral. I then saw the seaglass escape the coral’s grasp, to be found very soon.
The fisherman's huts are small but mighty as they conquer the gusty day. The beach will soon be even smoother and more unique than the first time. I will never forget the exceptional visit to the island. But there is still so much more to explore.
Is your child struggling to develop the 4 skills?
Ready to start?
Our assessment is not a product of the SpellRead program, but an independent standardized assessment that provides benchmarks for the foundational skills identified in research required for efficient reading. You will also receive a digital copy of the report within two business days with no obligation to enroll in our programs. This information can help access school support as well.
