Debra Redding

Redding’s innovative program, “Ready, Set, Let’s Read”, is a comprehensive and systematic approach to the development of literacy skills for all learners at the Maple Road School. The goal is to recognize that students’ abilities vary and it is important to honor their individual differences. Third-grade students will acquire various life skills including being able to identify and select print material that is written at their specific proficiency level, improve their presentation skills, and enhance their vocabulary and the articulation of thinking patterns. In addition, they will make connections to the texts they read, and learn to write to a specific audience. At the beginning of the year, students’ reading levels will be assessed to help guide the teacher in grouping the class into four reading levels. A color will be given to each student depending on their reading level. These colors will appear in squares on a reading wheel to designate independent reading activities. The teacher will signal for the students to progress through three color-coded activities during each class period. Redding, who lives in Vernon, hopes the program will allow the teacher to give focused attention to a group while knowing the other students are productively engaging in worthwhile tasks.