Some research indicates that simply encouraging students to sit up straight when they begin to slump in their seats actually improves task success.

Let’s ALL help to reduce reading loss by asking kids, wherever we see them, what they are reading this summer.

Songs and poetry usually have a natural rhythm that improves fluency, and they often include rhyme. They help immensely with flow, and even accuracy. Fluent, accurate readers can concentrate on meaning which, obviously, is the whole point of reading.This and every April, consider having a Poetry Slam—but do it with no competition, no memorization! This post tells you how.

I learned that the out-of-school culture in which they live has profound effects on them, and my small touch cannot change very much. But, hopefully, being able to read will open doors for them when they do knock.