How to Use Edmark to Learn to Read
The standard learning-to-read style taught in schools does not successfully help everybody to learn to read. There are various reasons why someone may find this ineffective, as different individuals respond to different teaching styles. For this reason, the Edmark Reading Program was created. It teaches the basic skills a learner needs before he can read, and teaches the learner how to read in slow, simple steps. When used correctly, the program is very successful.
Instructions
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Select which Edmark Reading Program format suits you best. There is a software version, which comes in Level 1 and 2, and a print version, which supplies all the necessary components for you to undertake the program without a computer.
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Start the pre-reading lessons. These are 15 to 20 minutes each in length, and teach basic reading skills, such as visual discrimination. This involves choosing the word from a set of four options, such as lines, single letters and shapes.
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Ensure the student has mastered the skills she needs for reading. If you are unsure, go through the pre-reading lessons again, until you are sure the student can track from left to right, and can identify what a word looks like, even if she cannot read the word.
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Begin the word recognition lessons. Each lesson will introduce one word, showing the student how to recognize and read it, and then use it in sentences and stories. This ensures the student learns the word, and how the word is used in language.
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Complete all of the 105 word recognition lessons. The first 60 lessons teach one word at a time, and the rest teach two words. It is recommended that you complete one lesson per day.
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Supplement the learning regularly. Use flash cards to reinforce the meaning of the word, and help the student to recognize the word. Re-read the story for each word, or pick other books which also contain the word. Involve the word in conversations where possible.
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Take each test as prompted by the software. If you are using the printed version, use the student record books to track progress, and give the provided tests after you've completed the necessary tests.
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Reflect on the student's learning. Look at test results and progress reports, and see which words the student struggles with and which he grasped easily. Repeat the lessons for any troublesome words.
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Continue with the lessons until you have completed the level. Level 1 teaches 150 words and level 2 reinforces level 1 words and teaches 200 new words.
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Tips & Warnings
Supplement the program as much as possible. Play word bingo, read books and point out road signs. Keeping the student interested in reading will help her have the drive to complete the course and learn to read.
The Edmark program works by recognizing any small success, and not pointing out problems. Stick to this mentality, and congratulate the student on his efforts and successes.
References
Resources
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