Students retain one word to start off and then by first grade hundreds of sight words need to be known within the snap of a finger in order to be fluent. Early intervention needs to start on the ground floor before those first graders end up freshmen in high school with the reading level of a 5th grade student. Reading in life surrounds us. Most daily activities include some form of reading. Students who learn differently than others shouldn’t be labeled illiterate or at-risk because educators don’t have the time, resources, education, etc. to help them learn the readings basic words.
Years ago, many students were just passed along regardless of their ability to read and write. Those adults are now the ones unable to vote, to fill out paperwork, to apply for jobs, and so forth. They are the people who are unable to provide for themselves or family members. Illiteracy is becoming an epidemic in the United States and students are already current lagging behind other countries with regards to other subject matters like science and …show more content…
Kindergarten may still be optional in this state, but most low-income community public schools are able to offer free full day kindergarten due to state funding. The researcher remembers kindergarten in the mid 90’s as half-days, with snacks, filled with play, and music. Now the overarching academic expectations young students have today is taking time away from the need for being a kid and learning through real experiences. The social aspect of early learning is minimal. Children at this age need to be learning to make friends, carry on conversations, becoming more independent, and learning life skills. However, the focus has shifted to more academics to the point where kindergarten students are learning 3-D shapes, addition, and