Reading Ability Linked to Performance on Standardized Test

Note:  I am consolidating all of my writing to this blog. This was originally posted on the Homeschool Network. A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found a link between declining test scores and a decline in reading. Simply put readers did better on standardized tests than non-readers. My first thought was … Continue reading Reading Ability Linked to Performance on Standardized Test

The Best Method for Teaching Reading

Editor's Note: This is a piece I originally wrote for HomeschoolBenefits.org. As a teacher, I have used many different approaches for teaching reading: phonics, whole language, literature based, etc. Many workshop instructors attempted me to convince me their program was the best. I have also encountered many people who believe that phonics and sight words … Continue reading The Best Method for Teaching Reading

Flashback Post: Commas, Diagramming & Other Rants English

Note: One of my all time favorites originally posted 15 December 2007. The other day The Big Guy was reading my blog and informed me that I needed a comma for some reason or another. This lead to lively and humorous dialogue about my not needing commas and semi-colons. Nate that it would be a … Continue reading Flashback Post: Commas, Diagramming & Other Rants English

Free GED Program

As a part of Texas Hope 2010, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) has launched a new program to provide free GED programs in affiliated churches. The program is a part of the BGCT's  Hispanic Education Initiative. The BGCT has teamed up with the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas to enlist volunteers that will … Continue reading Free GED Program

Jumpstart Read For the Record

Each year Jumpstart sponsors Read for the Record day to promote early education. It is an interesting program that encourages parents, grandparents, teachers and other adults to read aloud to their child.  This year's book is one of my favorites Corduroy. For more information.

Dyslexia and Language

Recent studies suggest that there is a correlation between native language and the effects of dyslexia. According to findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the effect of dyslexia is different in children who read and speak English contrasted with those read and speak Chinese. Prior to this study, the language being … Continue reading Dyslexia and Language

Language Development: Infant Response to Words

In a recent study by Anne Fulkerson and Sandra Waxman compared the response of infants to words verses other sounds or tones. The study included 128 infants, half were six months and the other half twelve months. The infants were shown a set of 8 slides of either fish or dinosaurs. All slides where the … Continue reading Language Development: Infant Response to Words