Case Study: Fall vs. Spring Reading Statistics
Imagine a classroom buzzing with excitement as young students dive into the world of reading. But for first-grade teacher Lauren Kendryna at Echo Loder Elementary in Reno, Nevada, this scene wasn't always a reality. Many of her students struggled with reading fluency, and she was determined to change that.
The Reading Challenge
Reading is a skill for life, and Ms. Kendryna understood the importance of helping her students become confident readers. Yet, the reality was that reading wasn't coming easily to some of them. With the pressure to ensure grade-level reading skills and the new Nevada K.I.D.S Read program, which focused on reading interventions, Ms. Kendryna was on a mission to find a solution.
A Helping Hand: Read Between the Lions
Enter Janyce Rossall and the Lions Clubs, armed with Read Between the Lions for K-12 Readers. This program focused on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of reading: jump eye movements, or how our eyes move across words and lines as we read. Ms. Kendryna's curiosity was piqued, and she quickly realized this could be the key her students needed.
Discovery and Collaboration
The Lions Clubs' dedication was inspiring. Despite Ms. Kendryna's initial concerns about adding yet another element to her classroom, Rossall and the Lions Clubs volunteers sprang into action, screening over 100 first graders in less than an hour.
Customized Support and Progress
Identifying six "at-risk" students, the Lions Club introduced a daily metronome practice to enhance their jump eye movements. These dedicated volunteers came in daily, devoting ten minutes to each student. The impact was visible not just in the assessments, but in the newfound enthusiasm these young learners had for reading.
From Data to Results
The data spoke volumes. Using the Washoe County School District's Aimsweb Plus program, the students' oral reading fluency (ORF) scores were tracked over the fall and spring assessments. The results were astounding: the six students who received the Lions Club's extra care showed marked improvement in their ORF scores.
Growing Confidence and Smiles
Beyond the numbers, there was something magical happening. These students embraced the metronome practice, even giving themselves a fun nickname: "The Lions Clubs’ Kids." The once-daunting reading practice became a fun game. Their confidence blossomed, setting them on a path to becoming not just better readers, but more enthusiastic learners.
A Bright Future
The Read Between the Lions Reading Program isn't just a success story; it's a tale of how a community can come together to uplift its youngest members. As Echo Loder Elementary eagerly looks to the next school year, the Lions Clubs’ commitment assures a brighter reading future for these students. Ms. Kendryna's classroom is a testament to the fact that a little support, dedication, and innovation can go a long way in shaping young minds into confident, capable readers.
So here's to the Lions Clubs, Janyce Rossall, the volunteers, and all those who believe that a love for reading is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities.