What is Reading Boot Camp?
This is a free program run by volunteers who are committed to a consensus in which children ages 3-17 require intense, systematic phonics to become good readers, spellers, writers, and thinkers.
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. Isn't that terrible? In the USA!!!
The Reading Boot Camp Approach to Reading (ages 3-17)
We use two older programs, Direct Approach Phonics, based off McGuffey Readers and diacritical markings found in the dictionary. The Smart Chart is a concise list of sounds found in most English words. We teach students to "chop" their words by syllables and spell aloud.
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.
The Victory Drill Book 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. Each student has a goal to read a section in one minute.
Reading Boot Camp Gives Indiana 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)
If you'd like to learn about how I got into this back in 1995, I would be happy to share my story. HI HO Dilly DAD!
Thank you,
Kathleen McCammon Alfke
Program Director, Reading Boot Camp
Sponsor a Reading Boot Camp Soldier for $79
Your Reading Boot Camp Soldier will receive:
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a Reading Boot Camp T-shirt
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a Victory Drill Book
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a healthy snack
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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!
