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Just because schools have gone remote doesn’t mean that the programs that we support are on hold. Let’s look at how SB Unified programs have pivoted and what it means for our students.

Join us as we look at how our local students are

Santa Barbara Unified School District has identified literacy as one of its top three priorities. The Literacy Project targets struggling readers and delivers research-based intervention in a small group setting to help students improve skills to read at grade level.

So, how do Reading Specialists continue to give struggling readers the additional support they need remotely? 

Practice the 'ch' Sound!

Struggling readers that typically receive reading intervention in small groups still need a little extra help. The Literacy Project team has been incredibly thoughtful in designing new supports that include a combination of work packets and videos.

Reading Specialists create two different types of videos to share with students. They will consist of either phonics review lessons or Read Alouds.  The specialists send home at least three videos a week to supplement the individualized phonics and fluency work packets sent to the students’ homes

Take a look at this phonics lesson featuring the ‘ch’ sound!

Let's Look at Some Star Words!

Ideally, Reading Specialists would meet via Zoom with their student groups since the nature of multi-sensory teaching and learning requires in-person interaction, a controlled environment, and close proximity to meet students’ needs. But due to logistical issues with remote learning, asynchronous learning is the next best thing.

Watch this video from Mrs. Darga of McKinley Elementary School to see how our Reading Specialists are continuing their outstanding work with our struggling readers.

And They're Creating Supplemental Videos for Classroom Teachers!

Reading Specialists are also creating supplemental videos for classroom teachers to share with their students. Teachers send out slides each day after their class Zoom meeting that include related videos. Here, Mrs. Burkett provides Reading Resouces online, including Read Alouds and Word Work , like this video on video on “The Bossy R” to accompany this week’s reading lesson for first graders at Harding Elementary School.

Let’s check out the Bossy R together, shall we?

We know that this is a difficult and uncertain time for all students. But it’s especially important to support our struggling students as they continue their reading journey remotely.

Special thanks to our fantastic Reading Specialists at McKinley and Harding elementary schools for sharing their content.