Learning to Read Transformed Christie

In what was most likely about 2004, I had the chance to work with a third-grade little girl. She was, for all intents and purposes, reclusive. As the schedule of my groups worked out, she was the only student at that day and time. It turned out to be a blessing for both of us.

I met Christie and her father in October. He took me aside to explain that Christie was in third grade. However, her teacher had already told him that she would not be going to fourth grade at the end of the school year. The reason was that she could only read at a second grade level. He told me that she was painfully shy, and he only hoped that this might help. I told him that I would do my best. Since I was having great success with my other students, even with a four-year-old, I wasn't at all put off by the challenge.

Learning to Read Christie

When he left, I introduced myself to Christie, and I was stunned at her response. She was seated in one of the small classroom chairs, and she had pushed it back from the table. Her ankles were crossed, her hands were folded in her lap, and her head was down. When I spoke to her, she didn't reply. In fact, she didn't move a muscle.

I sat down in the chair near her and turned to face her. I explained that we were going to take a quick quiz to figure out how we should get started. She didn't look up, but she agreed. We did a word list diagnostic, like a Dolch list. When it was done, I believed she was closer to first grade reading than second grade.

We began working on the first phonics lesson that day. I used the same materials and methods with Christie that I had used with all the other students. The process always included saying sounds while tracing the letters in the air. It's called air writing, and it uses movement to reinforce learning.

Our early progress was slow. It was difficult for Christie. She appeared to be very uncomfortable, and she was always slow to respond. Nevertheless, we worked at speed rather than mine.

Christie Learned to Read

The first few weeks went slowly, mostly because Christie was always slow to respond. On the chalkboard, I wrote the letter and said the sound we were learning. I showed her how to trace the letter in the air and  repeat the sound I was making.  She was quiet that first day. I tried to be patient with her, "Christie, I'm going to say the sound again, and I want you to repeat it."  When she didn't respond, I moved toward her slowly and lifted her chin so she was looking at me. I asked her again to repeat the sound, and she did.

Throughout the first few weeks, we got more familiar with each other, and she got more comfortable. At some point, our sessions became normalized. She was still quiet and shy, but she seemed interested and would respond when prompted. After about 16 weeks, I arrived at my classroom to find her father waiting outside the door.  He seemed agitated, but he actually had exciting news.

He said, "I wanted to let you know that Christie was tested for reading, and we got her scores. She's reading at third-grade level, and her teachers have told me that she will absolutely be passed on the fourth grade. And that's not all, she's participating in class, which she's never done before. She's always got a book in her hand. She's making friends for the first time! She's even playing soccer differently; she used to just stand at her position and literally let the ball would bounce off her. She's playing now, just like the rest of the team. I wanted to tell you how grateful we are. Thank you!"

Learning to Read Changed Christie's Life

I had a few more sessions with Christie, and I realized that the change had happened so slowly that it hadn't really registered. She was smiling more and chatting a bit. Her head was never down, and she looked me in the eye when she spoke. I was elated by her success. My experience with her convinced me that many struggling students could become readers, even those with impairments. It takes patience and the right methodology--that being explicit phonics training, like 7 Sound Steps to Reading.

About five years after my experience with Christie, I happened to be at one of the local middle schools. I was sitting in the hall, waiting to meet with the principal. The hall was busy with students moving quickly on their way to lunch, but a particular girl caught my eye. I would have known her anywhere. She was probably in eighth grade and a great deal taller. She was walking with a friend, talking quickly, her head bobbing around with lots of expression in her face. And, yes, she had a book in her hand. I will always enjoy thinking of her. She is my north star.