Module 3: Activity 2

According to this video, research shows that one-on-one tutoring in individual letters and sounds, including nonsense words, helps struggling readers “crack the code” of English.

What do you think of this? What do such activities and “cracking the code” contribute to proficient reading? What else might a reader need to become proficient? Record your thoughts in a blog posting. 

In regards to the video, I think any struggling reader could benefit from one-on-one instruction.  However, I’m not sure how I feel about using nonsense words to teach reading.  If a child can read nonsense words correctly then it shows they understand letter sounds and blends, which means they are probably already reading pretty efficiently.  However, if a child can’t read nonsense words correctly then they probably struggle with real words too.  It seems to me that using nonsense words and real words with a struggling reader could end up confusing the student more.  If the child starts to understand letters and blends and can read nonsense words correctly I think he/she would start to be confused about meaning.  If a student is struggling with reading why read words with no meaning, because the ultimate goal of reading is to obtain meaning.  It seems better to me to focus on letter sounds, blends, and words that actually make sense and will be used in real life.  Rather than sounding out nonsense words, I think using phonics lessons provide more benefit and serve a greater purpose in learning to read.  Everyone has different learning styles and processes information differently, so I think being exposed to a variety of reading strategies and instruction is the best way to reach all learners in a large classroom.  Then, through guided reading more individual needs can be met.