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on September 18, 2025
In the personalized learning plans, students were taught the importance of setting study goals and crafting schedules that align with their academic targets. They learned to engage with materials in ways that complemented their learning styles, and the school introduced a variety of resources to cater to different learning needs.
The administration began by conducting surveys among parents to determine areas they felt least confident in when aiding their children. The responses highlighted mathematics and literacy as problematic areas. Working in collaboration with teachers and educational experts, the school compiled a series of resource guides focusing on these areas. These guides provided simple explanations of concepts, illustrated examples, and fun activities that parents and children could engage in at home.
Identifying high-frequency words was another strategy observed in practice where students learned common words to gain reading fluency. Teachers used stories, rhymes, and songs to instill these words, scoring higher engagement as learners found these methods enjoyable and less intensive.
Incorporating even some of these habits can significantly enhance a student's ability to study effectively. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that one’s study habits can spell the difference between academic success and failure. Be it an elementary school student just learning the basics of studying or a university student tackling complex concepts, these habits can greatly ease the learning process and lead to a more enjoyable academic journey.
The program began by familiarizing students with books from various genres. Titles such as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "Charlotte’s Web" were selected due to their popularity and wide-ranging themes. After reading each book, children were presented with creative writing prompts based on various scenarios from the books. The prompts encouraged the students to explore new perspectives, develop creative ideas, and write their narratives.
The inclusion of technology for reading assistance was also an intriguing approach. Many teachers used applications that offered interactive reading exercises, allowing students to learn reading while playing. Such applications also gave instant feedback, helping students understand their mistakes and learn from them instantly.
Moreover, to help parents connect with teachers and discuss their children's progress, the school launched an online portal. This platform facilitated regular communication and provided parents with access to student’s academic performance data. Additionally, the school also began hosting monthly workshops to train parents in the use of these educational resources, and answer any academic or platform-related queries.
John F. Kennedy Elementary has always been dedicated to its mission: nurturing an environment for students that facilitates both academic excellence and a love for learning. To support this mission, in 2018, the English department strategized to execute an unconventional plan to tackle the struggling writing skills among 5th graders. The approach was to use creative writing prompts based on popular books. The program aimed to tap into the students' engagement with familiar literature as a powerful tool for broadening their writing capability.
The "Jump on the Sound" game uses a physical activity to reinforce phonetic learning. Chart paper squares, each with a different phonetic sound, are placed around the room. The teacher calls out the sounds, and the child has to jump on the corresponding square, thereby fusing audio, visual, and kinesthetic learning tactics.
This observational study highlights educators’ efforts in assisting struggling readers to overcome their difficulties. Teaching reading requires the application of various strategies, including phonetics education, k-12 online homeschooling teacher positions high-frequency words instruction, use of audiobooks, regular reading habits, constant assessment, and technology integration, accommodating different learning styles and needs. Therefore, for parents and teachers alike, it is invaluable to understand these differing strategies to adapt teaching methods that best serve the struggling reader, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed and excel in their reading abilities. Hence, comprehensive support from both home and school can significantly enhance the reading abilities of struggling readers.
This case study illustrates the importance of providing educational resources for parents in enhancing the student’s overall learning process. Bennington Elementary's approach clearly highlights that focusing on the parent-child-teacher communication triangle can lead to improved academic results. Also, it serves as an inspiring example for other schools coping with similar challenges.
The results were promising. Within one academic year, teachers documented a noticeable improvement in students' writing skills - not only in spelling and sentence construction but also in their capabilities to express ideas creatively. Reading comprehension among the students seemingly increased as well, as evidenced by their ability to draw from book content in their writing.