One of the best things about Reading Horizons v5 software is that it allows user to learn on an independent level. Because Reading Horizons v5 is designed for users ages 10 to adult, it is especially important that independent learning is possible.
Struggling readers are often insecure about their reading problems and the independence of the program removes the embarrassment that can come with struggling with reading. They can progress at their own rate with a program that automatically adjusts to their individual progress and provides corrective feedback when it is needed.
Reading Horizons v5 software removes the unwarranted shame that many struggling readers often feel as they are striving to improve their reading. The program also helps struggling readers by presenting a straightforward process that is easy to use.
Here is a video of reading Horizons Marketing Manager, Erika Huff, discussing the simplicity of the software offers and other features that make Reading Horizons v5 software the perfect match for struggling readers:
To enter to win a FREE 1-year online subscription of Reading Horizons v5 software, respond to the following question in the comment section of this post:
Do you think your struggling reader responds better to independent learning or direct instruction?
(Only real answers will be entered into the drawing. A winner will be selected next Monday (11/1). You can comment on each of the 5 posts to be entered into the drawing 5 times.)
Reading Horizons v5 Software Screenshots
24 Comments
Jodi Turner
My son definitely benefits from the direct instruction. If left alone to do independent learning, his mind would wonder to the things that matter to him. He would only choose to read if it was absolutely necessary for what was working on.
Mark Peters
I think it is both...and I believe my knowledge of Reading Horizons offers both in its instruction. The program instructs the student, and allows the student the freedom to progress without criticism to reach their goals of reading fluently.
Tricia Harr
V5 for 5 days looks alot like the LDK we have used in the past. I have found that consistant verbal and visual input helps struggling learners get the information into their brain to stay.
Suzanne Rock-Stierle
V5 for 5 days! What a great program you have! I feel grateful that you created it and that it is helping so many kids and adults! Suzanne
Dawn siddens
My son has found this program fun and rewarding. This has not been just another assignment. He loves it!
Natilie Moore
While I have my daughter practice both, independent learning has helped her feel less pressure to "get it right" and allows her to figure out what works for her. There is an enormous amount of pride when she independently applies something she's learned.
Sandra
I believe both are important. My son has a very curious mind and likes to try and learn information independently but when it comes to improving reading and writing skills he seems to benefit most by direct instruction.
Angelle
My daughter definitely learns better from direct instruction. But benefits from time spent alone to process and practice the new skills.
Kristi Barnett
I think there is value to both types of learning options. There is a great deal of accomplishment in mastering a topic on your own. However, there are times that a little extra instruction has tremendous value for both the student and the teacher. I think it also depends on the individual. As my children have aged, they want to do things more independently, but I still want to be certain they are learning the skills they need to be successful.
Margaret Lane
I believe he responds to direct help not individual reading on his own.
Shannon
I think direct instruction is most important, then independent work can happen after they are confident with their new skills!
Kristie Zubko
My son who is dyslexic, responds better to direct instruction. He needs that push to help him move forward.
Judy
My grandchildren and children in small group interaction that I have taught definetely learn best from direct instruction.
Sheila Boutwell
Direct instruction and independent learning are both necessary for students to be successful. Reading Horizons V5 software uses both. By scaffolding instruction it allows students to be successful throughout this experience.
Sharon
I am currently working with 2 struggling readers. One responds better to direct instruction as long as I'm not obvious about the fact that I'm instructing. She tends to shut down if I approach the time as a lesson, but will actively learn if my approach is more of a discovery or game time. I have not worked long enough yet with my other struggling reader to determine the way she learns best.
Jackie
My son definately depends on me being their to read, write and reexplain in a different way if necessary. If I was not their he would never learn. His mind wanders and he has a hard time focusing with out me. He has lost his interest and confidence in his ability to learning because others have told him so many times that he was unable to learn.
Teri H.
Believe it or not, it is both. Starting out, he benefited from a more direct approach. Now I can see a change to a more independent style, but he still struggles.
Janet
This is a very good question. For my daughter, where fatigue is definitely a factor, I think that it has to be a combination of both independent and directed study. Ideally learning on her own where she does not feel the pressure of someone watching is a great help. Also the feeling of confidence gained by being able to do it on her own. However when fatigue sets in and her visual processing starts to break down, independent learning becomes impossible. In these cases, a very savy person is required to move her on to something else that allows the brain a chance to rest. Shared reading, going for a walk and talking about something unrelated, even a warm cup of herbal tea can make it possible to get back to the work again when her brain is working better. It would be wonderful if your program could recognized when a person was getting tired (perhaps based on error rate or speed (although speed is not always a good indicator) and moved on to something that was less challenging - for some this could be a video game, for others watching an engaging video, or for others, like my daughter, calming music (user selectable) and a slide show of relaxing images. When people struggle with visual processing problems, others often do not recognize how exhausting reading is. We take it for granted that reading is a natural non-taxing process. My daughter's neurologist has likened it to sprinting. She can read reasonably well for a few minutes then it stops working... You just can't sprint long distances.
Cheryl
My struggling reader does much better with direct instrucion rather than independent learning. He can't stay focused for very long doing work on his own. Although my other son, who does good with his reading, can handle some independent learning.
A. Jeffers
Both independent and direct instruction are important. When a child is able to understand a concept enough to do some work on his/her own,the independent work will help them build self confidence.
Kristin Farlow
Direct instruction is important, but idependent time is necessary as well. Our son often needs his own time to work out the language before he can then directly interact or read out loud. Over instruction has exasperated him at times, but the help is still needed. With him getting older, he truly desires to be independent in his reading, especially looking at his older sister constantly devour book after book silently.
Sally Andrews
My experience with struggling readers has shown me that they need both direct instruction and opportunities for independent learning. Direct intsruction through a proven phonics system then alows thm the pleasure of finding out they can learn independently. This, in turn, encourages them further with the direct instruction which then encourages more independent learning. They go hand in hand.
Connie Costello
My struggling reader has no desire to read because it is such a struggle so direct iinstruction is the way to go for now. Eventually I am sure that independent learning would be the ideal and most effective way for her to become a reader who actually loves reading.
Orange County Tutors
Our tutors have found that some children respond better to direct instruction and others to independent learning, but they employ both methods with each child, just adjusting the percentage to fit how that child learns best.