Thank you, to Candyce & Tom Ihnot for their extensive work in the development of Read Naturally, a program that increases reading fluency. I believe my reluctant reader will be one of their success stories and I’m very grateful for their contribution to his education.
Read Naturally is based on a structured program of:
- Teacher Modeling – a proficient reader models correct reading for a less able reader.
- Repeated Reading – “practice makes perfect,” or close, as it builds fluency and confidence.
- Progress Monitoring – progress is tracked and used as motivation to read and improve.
Read Naturally products support and reinforce the 5 essential components of reading as outlined by the National Reading Panel – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
We are using their newest, web-based, assessment & intervention program, Read Live. Created for use primarily in schools and classrooms, I only noticed this during set-up, when I needed a school name, an administrator and a teacher. Because it is nearly student-independent it adapts well to the homeschool environment.
This video takes you through a lesson of Read Live.
This is an excellent program! My son is not thrilled with the repetitive readings, but he applies himself and he can literally see the value in it in the difference between his Cold Timing reading and his Hot Timing reading scores.
I really appreciate the Wordtastic vocabulary game that occupies the student while they’re “waiting for the teacher” during the Cold Timing and Pass steps. The other day, I was trying to get lunch on the table and although I said, “I’m coming…I’ll be right there,” I wasn’t. The time wasn’t lost though, because my son reviewed or learned 102 synonyms and antonyms during those extra minutes.
I wish there was more variety in the reading material for the lessons. Especially, because there is so much repetition, what is being read tends to be absorbed. If these were Bible verses he was reading, he’d have several memorized by the time he is finished. As it is, parents with younger children should be aware that some readings (evolution) may not be what you want your child to “retain.” My son is old enough to know what he believes; so, it isn’t an issue, but is not an option to skip any of the books.
For me, this is one of those vital programs that has to be broken down into bite-size pieces, in my mind, because it is expensive. A 12-month subscription, for 1 student is $149. I know the benefits, but…I still wrestle with the cost. Then, with a little thought, I realize that for less than $.70 a day I can change my son’s life! This calculation doesn’t put the money in my pocket, but it helps me justify the possible sacrifices. The ability to read or not, with fluency and comprehension, can have a dramatic impact on an individual. It is an investment in a child’s future.
Read Naturally Live does offer a 60-day FREE Trial.
Click the TOS graphic below to read additional reviews of this program and the One Minute Reader – home reading program, written by The Homeschool Crew.
Questions or Comments:
Contact –
Read Naturally, Inc.
2945 Lone Oak Drive Suite190
Saint Paul, MN 55121
email – info@readnaturally.com
call – 651.452.4085
or toll free – 800.788.4085
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you for your comments.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Good review. Sounds like this program was a good fit for your child!