First-graders around the United States and the United Kingdom are finally getting a break from "Dick and Jane" and improving their reading scores at the same time.
Brigham Young University Professor Grant Von Harrison developed a new reading program for children to replace the concept of dividing children into ability groups and then assigning them to read basal readers. He said he believes returning to whole-class teaching combined with individual tutoring is a better way to learn. The tutorial instruction would come from classmates and parents, if necessary."Thirty years ago, educators assumed that they could meet children's need better by ability grouping," said Harrison, a professor of instructional science. "But research conducted over the past 15 years has consistently shown that grouping does not produce the assumed benefits and is actually penalizing some students."
Harrison also saw other problems with the reading programs used in the early grades. For example, children were taught to write long after they had learned to read. Yet, he said, he knew a 6-year-old who could read could also compose and even punctuate sentences.
Based on observations and research Harrison had conducted as an instructional scientist, he developed a new method of teaching which did away with ability grouping and basal readers as the sole source of reading material. His program blended companion study, seat work, mastery checking by teachers and participation by parents. He encourages children to read several different things, including newspapers and trade books.
Beginning in September, Harrison will work with various Utah and other state school districts on testing the application of the companion reading model with other grades beside the first grade.
Research conducted by Harrison and other educators shows first-grade students using the companionship reading program increased their reading to a rate of about 79.2 words per minute, compared to the national average of 35 words per minute.