Read3 Newsletter (December 2024)
Holiday opening hours
In the coming weeks we'll be taking a short break with family and friends and hope you'll have a chance to do the same.
Operating hours from 23 December to 10 January are as follows:
— Access to the shop remains OPEN
— Digital orders are received automatically
— Printed resources will not be posted until 13 Jan
— Emails and phone calls will be responded to intermittently
For those making the most of Read3 Family Access over the break, simply email support@read3.com.au if you need access to the next program step and we will have it activated in no time. We're always happy to prioritise home practice. 😊
From 10 January it will be ‘business as usual’ in the Read3 office.
Diagnosing dyslexia with TOD
Earlier this year a new dyslexia screening and diagnosis tool, called the Tests of Dyslexia, was released by WPS.
In October we hosted “TODTalk” – an online session for Speech Pathologists and Educators with a keen interest in literacy. During the session Helen discussed her experience to date using this new tool.
The interest was overwhelming so we’ve summarised the features and benefits of the Tests of Dyslexia in our latest blog post.
What weight should we place on the media hype around NAPLAN data?
There’s been a resurgence of discussion about NAPLAN in the media over the past few weeks, and again we are being greeted with the news that one in three children are not meeting minimum benchmarks in terms of literacy and mathematics...
These are sobering statistics on the surface but it’s important to recognise that in schools and regions where explicit instruction has been embraced we are seeing results. It must also be noted that change takes time – some of the ‘school success stories’ hitting the headlines currently are projects that commenced in 2016 or 2020. So while there is much work to be done, it's important we stay focused on the positives.
At Read3 we’re the first to celebrate the great work that is happening across the nation to instigate change in our classrooms. We’re seeing a strong commitment to the rollout of systematic synthetic phonics instruction and a greater focus on the ‘Science of Learning’, not just the ‘Science of Reading’.
There will, however, always be students that require additional, targeted support and that’s where Read3 can help. We support children with serious literacy challenges who often fail to make the expected literacy gains, despite quality phonics instruction.
It is our hope that in 2025 we will see more schools embracing explicit instruction and, with time, fewer students tracking below benchmark on NAPLAN and other measures.
As you plan your literacy instruction for the coming year we simply ask that you embrace early screening to ensure our most at-risk are identified and supported as quickly as possible.
Sidenote: If you’re wanting some holiday inspiration, Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain has just been released. The book links research to practice with a focus on initiating and maintaining a school improvement journey. Congratulations to Nathaniel and all who have contributed.
UFLI decodable passages curated for Read3
With the holidays just around the corner, what could be better than some FREE decodable passages?
We are pleased to announce that all 120 decodable passages from the UFLI Foundations program have now been carefully curated to ensure close alignment with the Read3 scope and sequence. If your child is needing a little more practice, these are a great place to start.
Interestingly, UFLI is the only other program we have found that progresses to 'Silent e' following CVC and also introduces 2-syllable words relatively early. As a result, the alignment between the UFLI and Read3 is quite smooth.
For those using the Read3 program, you can access the curated list of UFLI passages via our Decodable Readers: Curated Read3 Lists (log in required). If you’re not using the Read3 program, but would like a copy of our curated UFLI list, simply email support@read3.com.au.
Kick off 2025 with Read3 training!
Our first speech pathologist training block for 2025 starts 17 January.
This 4-week block consists of four sessions (1.5-2 hours each), and replays are available.
Participants will have access to Module 1 Step 1 of the Read3 program throughout the training block so they can practise what they learn.
Is targeted intervention on your ‘to-do’ list for 2025?
If the prospect of training and budgeting for individualised intervention seems a little daunting, never fear!
While the Read3 program is ‘individualised’ it does not have to be administered one-on-one. Our games-based approach lends itself well to a small group setting, and detailed instructions, scripts and videos support all team members.
Training is available in a self-paced format to enable greater flexibility amongst your team. Learn a little, practice, then learn a little more.
If you are thinking about getting started with Read3 in 2025, please reach out for a training and licence proposal.
Want to know more about Read3? Just Ask!
If you are not yet using Read3 or the Easy Alphabet, but are keen to know more, reach out via support@read3.com.au or book a phone call at a time that suits you. We're always happy to help.
Cheers for now,
Kate & Robyn
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