This school year has been a pivotal year as we work to erase the learning deficits caused by extended school shutdowns. The sobering reality, from state and national assessments, is that the disruption in learning has caused an already growing literacy crisis to explode at all grade levels. Students who lack proficient reading skills struggle with classes in other subject areas, emotional issues, and social issues.
For students in grades four and above, it can be a challenge for educators to isolate the specific reading gaps for each student. So, what tool can educators use to target individual student needs and provide just-in-time instruction?
MindPlay Virtual Reading Coach is an online reading program designed to target individual student needs and provide just-in-time instruction to increase fluency and comprehension. MindPlay instruction is delivered on screen by certified speech pathologists and reading coaches. Here are some key things to know about MindPlay.
1. Science of Reading and National Reading Panel
The Science of Reading is heavily embedded in the MindPlay program, the goals are the same, to use the methods that best help students learn to read from the earliest steps of spoken language to being able to decode unfamiliar words.
MindPlay focuses on the five key concepts at the core of effective reading instruction that are shared by both the Science of Reading and the National Reading Panel.
- Phonemic Awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
The program also incorporates Grammar to ensure students have a firm grasp on the rules and structure of a sentence.
2. Orton-Gillingham Methodology
Instruction in MindPlay is driven by the Orton-Gillingham methodology. The program offers explicit, sequential, multisensory, multimodal instruction to guide students to mastery. Visual and auditory cues are used to activate prior knowledge and solidify mastery.
3. Individualized Instruction
Screeners and assessments are used to create individualized plans that target the specific needs of each student. Instruction is given by certified speech pathologists using the Orton-Gillingham Methodology. Synthetic intelligence allows the program to adapt to student answers to ensure scaffolding and mastery.
4. Blended Learning and Intervention
Supplemental resources are easily accessible that teachers can use for small group instruction. Students are automatically grouped based on interactions within the program. These materials are ideal for students who need additional intervention to master a particular skill. The lesson script is detailed and contains student materials as well.
5. Robust Reports
Reports in MindPlay provide key information and data for each student. These reports show student progress within the program and toward grade level goals. You can track student usage in the program. An error report will show you the questions asked, expected answers and the students’ answers to questions in the program so that you have further data to ensure success.
Destination Knowledge has partnered with MindPlay since 2004 to provide powerful reading support for students at all levels. Contact us to learn more about MindPlay Virtual Reading Coach.
Teia Hoover Baker is an educator, published author, and entrepreneur. She is an innovative, devoted educator whose career has been dedicated to coordinating programs that support struggling learners. Her passion is meeting students where they are and guiding them to excel. Her main focus is always what is best for children. Teia holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys being Lovie to her growing grandchildren.
