What is Reading Boot Camp?
This is a free program for “Reading Soldiers” ages 3 - 17. We teach systematic phonics, spelling, reading comprehension and actually chop up words. Volunteers work as “Drill Sergeants” in small groups and one on one. Our goal is to equip our readers with “back to basics” skills so they will become strong readers, powerful thinkers and informed decision makers.
Why Reading Boot Camp is So Important
It is estimated that over 60% 4th graders in the USA do not read at a proficient level. We are a solution for students who have not received basic phonics instruction. We owe it to our students and we get results.
The Reading Boot Camp Approach to Reading (ages 3-17)
We use Direct Approach Phonics, modeled after McGuffey Readers and diacritical markings found in the dictionary. The backbone of our program is the Smart Chart. It is a concise list of sounds found in most English words. We teach students to "chop" their words by syllables and spell aloud.
The Natural Phonics Primer is what we use to drill lists of phonetically related words. Students DO NOT memorize these words. The children instead sound them out letter by letter and blend sounds into words. The timing is to encourage rapid decoding or sounding out of words with fluency.
These two programs blend very well together and have been helping students since the 1930's. So, why did they throw them out? That's a discussion for another day.
Reading Boot Camp Gives Children a Foundation
We are a solution to the problem. We love seeing kids soar, AND, this isn't just for kids. Many older students and adults have increased their reading power and spelling from coming to Reading Boot Camp. (volunteering)
HI HO Dilly DAD!
Thank you,
Kathleen McCammon Alfke
Program Director, Reading Boot Camp
Sponsor a Reading Boot Camp Soldier for $80
Your Reading Boot Camp Soldier will receive:
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a Reading Boot Camp T-shirt
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a Phonics Drill Book
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healthy meals
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four stamps
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envelopes
They will have a purpose to practice cursive handwriting!
You will receive:
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A handwritten letter
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A “‘soldier” to encourage!
