Beginning Reading: Improving Phonics Skills to Attain Fluency

Hello!
	My name is Kimberley WIllard and I am a teacher by both character and training. I am passionate about teaching kids to read. I can’t imagine another skill that has a greater affect on a child’s learning and self esteem in every area. I have taught many reading classes for almost 20 years to students of all levels. I have a degree in Cognitive Science and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and have taught children in pre-K to 6th grade in public and private schools and also homeschool my own 5 children.
        I use evidence based reading instruction that includes activities and exercises that research shows work for all learners. I use techniques that help the child’s brain connect each phoneme (sound) with the grapheme (letters) for accurate word decoding. As the student’s accuracy in decoding increases many of the words will become sight words, which are words that can be read instantly without having to decode. This leads to reading with fluency which aids accurate comprehension. For many students, this process happens seemingly effortlessly and they are reading well in no time. Some readers (about 30%) need additional work in phonemic awareness, phonics, printing, spelling, and vocabulary to make that happen. But it will happen! With the right instruction and practice every child will improve and read well. 
       During my lessons all the students will be engaged the entire time to maximize learning. They will know exactly what to do and will be able to complete each activity. Every student will be able to be successful while having fun! I never ask a child to read anything aloud unless I already know the child will read it well and the child has indicated a desire to read aloud. A student who is worried about being embarrassed cannot learn new material. 
      I struggled learning to read during the ‘whole language’ era of instruction until I went to a reading specialist in third grade. The teacher used similar techniques to those I use today and I was able to ‘break the code’ and begin reading. By the end of the school year I was at the top of my class. I cannot overstate how much of an impact she had on my education and self esteem as a learner. I only wish I could have received the instruction earlier! 
      I would love to be a part of your child’s reading success. See you in class!