Matt TP #4

Sunday I met with Jeffrey for our second session. After discussing phonics in class, I decided to do some research so I could apply this method in with Jeffrey. Jeffrey is just now learning how to read, so phonics seemed like it would be a fruitful approach for developing the skills/vocabulary base he needs to read on his own. It worked really well. When I asked Jeffrey to sound out words, he seemed pretty familiar with the process - I figure he's been exposed to phonics before through his parents/kindergarten class. It was easy then for me to rely on this method as we read together. Mostly, I read aloud while Jeffrey followed along, but using phonics I was able to have him independently read a number of the more simple sentences we came across.

When I asked Jeffrey what he wanted to read about he eagerly replied “skateboards!” So we had a librarian a couple of easy books about skateboarding, but they turned out to be more like manuals and trick guides rather than the stories Jeffrey was looking for. Apparently these guides were too lowly for his skills – according to Jeffrey, he and Tony Hawk are the same person? – so we picked some children's books to read together. Jeffrey wanted to read Beowulf again, but I eventually convinced him to read something new. We finished two books, with me reading aloud while asking Jeffrey to retell parts of the story or predict what might happen next. In this way I checked his comprehension and exercised some basic reading skills he will need for an upcoming ESL examination. I found that Jeffrey is a good student and a proficient reader so long as I am able to keep him focused. Hopefully his skills will continue to develop satisfyingly as we meet.