Dr Marion LongEarly reading depends on efficient coordination between the ear and the eye for strong associations between letters and their sounds. Voices matter too, as poor oral language skills are a strong predictor of slower progress in literacy.
Dr Marion LongResearchers have found that the importance of motivation increases as the child’s perception of reading difficulty increases. The reverse is also true. This is why reading 'catch-up' can also feel as if it’s a catch-22 situation.
Dr Marion LongAlthough the development of reading fluency is less well understood than are other aspects of reading, it can be assessed by tracking a child's engagement with the text, their expression, prosody, flow and understanding, week by week.
Dr Marion LongA child builds a sense of mastery through repetition, reviewing and building familiarity with new words in their context (their place). This important sense of context, together with sensitivity to rhythm support the development of fluent reading.
Dr Marion Long is the founder of Rhythm for Reading and the creator of Rhythm for Reading Online CPD for teachers supporting lower-attaining readers. Her doctorate at UCL Institute of Education investigated the effects of a rhythm-based music intervention on children's reading behaviour. If you would like to discuss having Rhythm for Reading in your school, please visit the bookings page and select the most convenient date and time.
“It’s only an hour that they have with you over the time that you come in over the six weeks and for it to be able to make, for a lot of them, up to a year’s difference in their reading ability is quite amazing really.” Year 3 teacher
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