How Do Struggling Readers Comprehend Best?

If I had a definitive answer for that question, I would be the most revered person in education. There are a plethora of variables that effect the way an individual learns, so it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one. However, as an educator who’ve delved into numerous periodicals for best practices and who has also reflected on his own teaching experiences, I have come to the conclusion of two (2) strategies that I feel are most effective.

Utilizing music and movement during instruction has proven to be a huge commodity in classrooms where readers are challenged academically. Now this is only my opinion; but, research also states that of the multiple intelligences we possess, the musical intelligence is the first to evolve in a child. This methodology of using music and movement is not only fun, but it serves as a mnemonic strategy for struggling readers to comprehend abstract information (main idea, context clues, etc.) and make it visual.

The combination of linguistic with nonlinguistic instruction has also proven to increase reading scores. Again, the research states this, but I found this to be true when I utilized this strategy with my own students. I witnessed a 25% increase on grade level in reading comprehension (FCAT - state assessment) the first year of implementing my Rhythmic Reading program. Refusing to accept positive results only from my students, I sought other schools to test my program. I worked with an elementary school in Savannah, GA and their students made a 29% gain on their reading assessment (CRCT). Convinced that this way of teaching works across all disciplines, I tried similar strategies in the area of mathematics. Well, of my 35 students, 97% made academic gains.

Since the inception of Rhythmic Reading, which was in 2001, I’ve received numerous testimonials from teachers and principals stating similar results. I’ve had an opportunity to gain a wealth of information from teachers across the country while delivering my staff development workshop Reading, Rappin’ & Having Fun. And I’m excited about each visit, because I know that I’m privy to some of the best research-based strategies being implemented today. I know this because, these are strategies that have been tested and proven successful in each of these brilliant educators' classrooms.

So regardless of what the “best” strategy is for reaching our youth, we can not fail if we are relentless in our pursuit to reach every last one of them.

Let me hear your thoughts!

And enjoy the staff development video (Reading, Rappin' & Having Fun)

http://www.vincenttaylor.net/

How To Publish A Book (Presentation)

I have traveled the country for many years holding educational conferences, seminars, keynote speeches, and presentations. And the one thing that remains constant is individuals inquiring about the publishing process.

I'm always ecstatic when I meet an aspiring author, because I know the passion that constantly saturates them. The messages that they look to convey through written text is many times given to them through personal experiences that they hope will benefit others. Poetry that enlightens or children's books that speaks on morality are two of the most popular genres that I'm approached about most often.


Well, I had the opportunity to share this 8 step process of publishing a book with an enthusiastic group of participants at Brentwood Lake. Many misconceptions were addressed, many questions were answered, but most of all, many walked out those doors INSPIRED to take the next step in penning their own work.

Enjoy the pictures!

http://www.vincenttaylor.net/

Potter's House Christian Academy (Staff Development)

My visit to the Potter’s House Christian Academy was one that I will always remember. I was elated sharing the various methodologies of utilizing music and movement to increase academic capacity. But I was equally excited by the all of the best practice exercises constructed by the educators of PHCA. I left the Potter’s House saturated with numerous nonlinguistic lessons that would engage even the most reluctant reader.

I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with each and every person at the workshop. I immediately felt a sense of ‘family’ as I conversed with each teacher. This aura that they emitted was appreciated for two reasons: the first was because of how comfortable they made me feel as a guest, and secondly because I know the students at the Potter’s House Christian Academy are surrounded by teachers who ‘truly’ care about them and their academic success. On top of all that was said, I enjoyed a lunch courtesy of the principal that can only be described as delectable, palatable, scrumptious, and delicious.

Thanks again, Potter’s House Christian Academy, for a wonderful day of learning!!

Enjoy the pictures from the Reading, Rappin’ & Having Fun workshop.

Reading, Rappin' & Having Fun Seminar - TAMPA, FL

June 20, 2008 proved to be a momentous occasion for me in Tampa, FL. I had the honor of sharing Reading Rappin’ & Having Fun with Hillsborough County’s Best.

I immediately prepared for a full day of staff development, but with the enormous amount of enthusiasm in the room, six hours felt like three. In addition to the excitement, I was privy to a plethora of practical activities prepared by each team. A multitude of nonlinguistic strategies were used throughout the seminar to address our learners who struggle linguistically.

Objectives we covered:
· Differentiated Instruction
· Teaching to Student’s Affinity
· Vocabulary Building Strategies
· 5 Proven Nonlinguistic Strategies to Help Your At-risk Students
· 3 Practical Ways to Reach Your Most ‘Challenging’ Students
· Deductive Reasoning to Reach Struggling Readers
· Critical Thinking Strategies that Students Understand
· Using Poetry to Increase Reading Comprehension

As I addressed several reading performance standards that correlated directly with the FCAT, it was refreshing to see each educator as well as the Supervisor of Staff Development engage in every musical and kinesthetic activity I presented.

Again, I thoroughly enjoyed sharing all the research-based information with the scholars of Hillsborough County and look forward to our next meeting.

P.S. – Check out the video from the seminar.
Also, Cornbread said to tell all of you hello.

CORNBREAD SKATE JAM

Kids in Jacksonville, Florida had something exciting to look forward to as the school year came to an end. TriEclipse Publishing held their 2nd Annual Cornbread Skate Jam on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

Over 120 kids were granted a ticket that enabled them to receive a FREE Cornbread chapter book, a FREE Cornbread T-Shirt, and FREE admission to the skating rink where they enjoyed a surprised visit by Cornbread himself.

“It’s imperative that reading is fun for all of our children, especially those who struggle with reading comprehension,” says Vincent Taylor, the author of the popular children’s book series. He adds, “Engaging students is the number one concern that educators across the nation are faced with. This is our attempt to address this pressing issue by connecting literature with Cornbread the mascot and this fun-filled skating event.” Taylor is very aware of the deficiencies that are prevalent in our schools today. He has taught in the elementary setting for nearly 14 years.

Cornbread is a series that caters to all kids. Elementary teachers have especially embraced these books because of the humor they contain, but also because of the underlining character education themes (sportsmanship, obedience, etc.) they offer. “I like Cornbread because he likes music like I do,” says Jeffery, a nine year old in Hillsborough County Public Schools. “Symone is my girl because she has attitude,” says Rhonda, a 3rd grader in Chatham County Public Schools.

TriEclipse Publishing, Inc. partnered with Huxtable Education Solutions and Skate Station to make this event possible.

If you’re interested in Cornbread Runs for Class President or Cornbread Has a Bad Habit, please go to www.CornbreadSeries.com.

Why is Cornbread Beatin' on Stuff?

First of all, let me tell you why I wrote this book. I have been teaching 5th graders for the past 13 years, and one thing that has stayed constant over the years is their love for music. Regardless of race or gender, I ALWAYS seem to encounter students that persist to pound on their desk. Initially, I thought this was done out of disrespect, especially since they were told of the class rules; however, it was clear that MUSIC was just innately a part of them.


So I wanted to share how students, particularly Cornbread, had an affinity for music and how he couldn’t control it in so many ways. Cornbread consistently found things to beat on even after his teacher, dad, and everyone else begged him not to. After reading the story, you’ll see a major repercussion revealed.

The theme definitely revolves around following directions, but its purpose is two-fold. I wanted adults to feel Cornbread’s passion and know that his 'annoying' habit is because of his love of music and not because of disrespect. Let me hear your thoughts.

CORNBREAD DANCES TO HIS OWN TUNE - "WHO IS HE?"

It's so funny to see Cornbread when he interacts with students during school visits. Oh! Cornbread will be back to show off some more of his dance moves (lol). Do you all have a dance you would like to see him do?

http://www.cornbreadseries.com/

Why Do Our Young Males Struggle with Reading Comprehension?

I think it's imperative that literature reflects the children that read it. Too often, males are becoming struggling readers because of the disconnection they are having with the books they are presented.


It is not that our boys can't comprehend what they are reading or don't have an understanding of various reading performance standards; they are simply not ENGAGED with the literature which causes numerous challenges in the classroom. And as an educator for 13 years, I’ve immersed myself in various reading methodologies that address this very concern.


Research has shown how maximum comprehension capacity is built on background knowledge as well as personal experiences. So when our young males fall significantly behind our young girls in reading, it’s because many of them are not able to identify with the text that’s in front of them. This disconnection causes a tremendous academic gap between the two genders.


My attempt to close this unfortunate gap lies in the creation of literature that features a male protagonist named Cornbread. Cornbread is a children's chapter book series that engages our young guys and allow them to develop an affinity for reading by seeing themselves, a male, in print.

Each book is child-centered so that students will become interested in the text the entire 8 chapters. However, it also appeals to parents because of its emphasis on family and having a children's book with a positive role model.


The series consist of Cornbread Runs for Class President and Cornbread Has a Bad Habit. The third book, which will be released December 2008, will be entitled Cornbread Faces the School Bully. The target audience for these intriguing books is elementary students; however, they’re available to anyone who loves a great story.

You can learn more about the series at http://www.cornbreadseries.com/.