Many children struggle with reading not because they lack motivation, but because they’re trying to tackle too much, too fast. One student I worked with wanted to read Harry Potter in her first month. Within weeks, she felt frustrated and defeated.
So we simplified the process using a science-backed method inspired by Neuron Learning and Carnegie Learning. We broke reading into five essential skills:
1. Letter–Sound Awareness: Understanding how sounds connect to letters.
2. Decoding Patterns: Recognising blends, chunks, and predictable spelling rules.
3. High-Frequency Sight Words: Building automaticity with the most common words.
4. Reading Fluency: Reading smoothly, accurately, and with expression.
5. Comprehension: Understanding and remembering what’s been read.
The Missing Puzzle Piece: Cognitive Skills
Reading becomes easier when the brain’s learning systems are strong. This includes:
- Attention
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Auditory processing
When these cognitive skills grow, reading starts to “click.”
The Benchmark Method
We used a short passage the student revisited every few months. By recording each reading, her progress became clear—and incredibly motivating.
This approach is the foundation behind powerful programmes like Fast ForWord and Clear Fluency, which strengthen both the reading system and the underlying cognitive skills that support it.
Contact me to learn how you can help your child become an independent, effective and confident learner. admin@neuronlearning.com
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