Heart & High Standards

In order to teach kids to read, I believe there are two most important factors. 

1. High academic standards

2. A willingness to connect, understand, be flexible and patient

1. High academic standards 

This one is a non-negotiable. At Next Step, success isn't measured by red pen on spelling tests. 

All lessons follow a sequential scope and sequence that moves in a scientifically based order of skill to support children to best learn to read. 

Through direct, explicit, multi-sensory instruction children learn to read through repetition and consistency. 

Children are never asked to read words and patterns that have not yet been explicitly taught. No trick words or picture clues needed. 

Just direct, explicit instruction following a scope & sequence. 

…and it works! Every time! 

2. A willingness to connect, understand, and be flexible & patient 

Kids are gonna be kids! Every day is different. MOST of the time children show up eager and motivated and ready to learn. But once in a while…a friend hurt their feelings tha day or they were late to school or forgot their snack or ripped their paper….and the mood….is just off. It happens! And supporting children to success means meeting them where they are - every day. 

There is a method to the madness of my over-planning and it's 15+ years teaching kids. It's understanding they are layered and eager, happy, motivated most days and also tired, busy and overwhelmed other days. 

My goal each day, each session is to best support children where they are TODAY, knowing the goals I have for them overall within our program. 

I believe that in order to teach children and have them be ready for the learning in front of them, we have to connect with them. 

We have to have their buy in! 

All the workbooks in the world can't teach an unengaged child to learn to read. 

To learn to LOVE to read. 

This is exactly why I've crafted my Private Reading Program to do just that! Through direct, explicit, consistent and repetitive programming children learn to read with confidence and accuracy. 

It's the best job in the world! 

Happy reading!

Ms. Schelzi 

PS - Did you know…having books around your house helps boost reading engagement? And having seasonal & festive books I'd say 10x the engagement.