FAQs for Parents
My child already knows their letters. What step should we start on?
Where do I find the program content?
How do I actually use the program?
How long will each step take to complete?
Should I print off all the activities at once?
How should I store my program content?
My child already knows their letters. What step should we start on?
Start at the very beginning with the Module 1 Introductory Lesson. We cannot stress this enough. If your child is struggling they are probably missing one or more foundational skills and the only way to know for sure is to go back and check. If they already know their letters and sounds you may find they progress quickly in the early stages. Of course, knowing letters is not the same as having letter and sound mastery. You may discover they have a weakness with hearing sounds accurately, or forming their letters correctly, or blending letters - it's different for every child.
By starting at the beginning you will ensure your child develops all the core skills needed for successful reading and writing. Plus, knowing the letters already will help build self confidence in the early stages which is always a bonus!
Where do I find the program content?
All content is stored by Module. Just sign in and click on the main menu to access. Start with the Module 1 Introduction, then move sequentially through the program steps. Content can be accessed in the following ways:
- Videos: click to view
- Activities: click the blue links to view, print or download the PDF
How do I actually use the program?
It's pretty simple really. Every session your child will complete 3 activities - one from each of the 3 core areas - HEAR + SEE + AUTO. Our program is skills based, not activity based, which means you can choose any activity within the selection. Just make sure there is one from each skill area. Monitor each session and do not move on until content has been mastered. For progress to be achieved you will need to commit to 20 minutes a day, five days a week. Literacy is a vital life skill - this is not negotiable!
How long will each step take to complete?
It's difficult to say as every child is different. Progress depends on many things including: the number and severity of processing difficulties; whether there are attention issues as well; current levels of understanding; number of weekly practice sessions; and so on. As a very rough guide we would suggest that most struggling readers will need at least 4 weeks on each step. Slow and steady in the early stages is crucial as your child needs time to set up their reading circuit. By the time they get to Module 3, and their reading circuit is well established, you may find they can fly through the steps.
How much practise is needed?
If you are wanting to accelerate your child's learning, the most important thing you can do is practise! We recommend 5 sessions a week, but if you can squeeze in an extra activity here or there during the day, even better! Children at-risk of reading difficulties often need 75 exposures to retain something, compared to just 6 exposures for some of their peers. To get those exposures, they need to practise - anywhere and everywhere. We can't stress this enough.
Should I print off all the activities at once?
In a word... no. That's a lot of printing! If you have a Parent Card Kit, you'll find there is actually very little you need to print as you can read instructions and word lists off your phone/ipad. Each PDF contains a copy of all resources needed for that activity so if you print all content at once there will be DUPLICATE PAGES. We recommend you start by printing just the 3 activities you will be working on in your session, get started with the daily routine and once you are more familiar with how it works you'll know what you need to print :)
I don't have a printer
No worries! All instructions and scripts can be read off your phone/ipad/computer so you'll only need to print cards and a few activity sheets. If you have ordered a Parent Card Kit, then that's the coloured printing and card making taken care of! Now you'll only need to print in black and white :) We are happy to email you a PDF containing just the cards and activity sheets that need to be printed. Simply drop us an email and let us know which step you are working on and we'll forward it through. You can then pop down to your local colour printing shop and they will run off a handful of pages for you.
Can I buy printed cards?
Yes! Parent Card Kits are available for each step of the program. These include all game and concept cards needed at that step. Many cards from previous steps will continue to be used throughout the program, so be sure to keep them safe. Read3 families can also purchase resources such as Word Maker Cards and U-Know Words individually. You will need to sign in before visiting the shop to see these individual product categories.
How should I store my program content?
Each module step includes over 60 pages (some contain over 100). To help keep things in order, we recommend a medium A4 ring-bind folder and a pack of plastic sleeves for each module step.
- Place the Session Practice Guide at the front for easy reference
- Put all resources relating to each activity in a plastic sleeve (pop any pre-prepared cards in a zip lock bag)
- Store each activity in order according to the Session Practice Guide starting with all the HEAR activities, then the SEE activities and then the AUTO activities.
- Monitoring tools should be stored at the front or back of the folder for easy access - make sure you print a few extra copies of the record sheet.
There is no need to download and print all the content at once. Simply download new activities as needed and add them to the folder.