Teacher Training

Professional Development

Professional Development

A New Holistic Approach to Reading, Spelling, and Writing

The Logic of English® series of books and curriculum uses evidence-based reading instruction in phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and reading comprehension to improve the reading scores of all students. The five strands of reading are interwoven with spelling, grammar, handwriting, and composition for a new Whole Language approach. Lessons are taught through discovery so that students develop critical thinking skills about language and learn how to learn language.

The Logic of English promotes instructional consistency by providing teachers with materials that are easy to navigate, incorporate the latest research, and have numerous teacher supports. The Logic of English series empowers teachers to lead their students to success in reading, spelling, and writing while learning alongside their students on their way to becoming master teachers.

The Logic of English is an affordable and accessible approach to evidence-based reading instruction. The books introduce the linguistic structure of English words and clearly demonstrate that knowing the reasons behind English spelling is the most efficient method for developing strong readers, spellers, and writers. By arming teachers with real answers to commonly asked questions, they will no longer need to dismiss words as exceptions or rely heavily on the kill and drill of sight words.

The materials benefit all levels of students, ranging from remedial reading to average readers to gifted students. By learning the phonograms and rules which govern 98% of English words students become not only better readers and spellers but better second language learners. Logic of English materials teach students how to think critically about language, to ask questions and test hypotheses. When students know how to analyze language they will be less likely to dismiss English as “crazy” when they do not understand a word, and more motivated to dig deeper to find the answers.

The Logic of English and Reading Standards

The Logic of English series teaches the five strands of reading as recommended by Reading First. Logic of English curriculum places a heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and reading comprehension. The five strands of reading are interwoven with handwriting, spelling, grammar, and composition to create a true whole language program. The materials provide teachers with quick access to the linguistic structure of English and are designed for ease of use by teachers who do not have advanced training in reading or spelling instruction.

The Logic of English series takes the methods which have been proven for both remediation and initial instruction and makes them easily accessible to all teachers. Until this time, much of this material has been taught primarily in expensive training courses often for educators seeking training in teaching students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. As the research has demonstrated, when students are taught using methods which answer their questions about English, almost all students will be able to read proficiently. The Logic of English seeks to make this knowledge widely available to all teachers, administrators, and parents.

Addressing AYP

Logic of English materials provide teachers with answers to questions children commonly ask about the spelling of words, eliminating most exceptions by providing logical explanations for 98% of English words. The methods used in the books meet federal and state reading standards and are ideal for schools who have not met AYP in reading or who desire to improve the reading scores of their students.

Our products have been endorsed by co-authors of the Reading First program, Dr. Reid Lyon and Dr. Robert Sweet, Jr. They meet federal and state standards and include instruction in the five strands of reading. Logic of English materials are based upon scientific research from Harvard, Southern Methodist University, the NIHCD, and many other leading institutions.

Uncovering the Logic of English provides teachers with real answers to students’ questions rather than leaving them continually saying, “That is an exception.” It is beneficial for introducing teachers to the benefits of systematic and explicit phonics instruction in their classrooms. This title is easy-to-read an clearly demonstrates the reasons that many logically minded students who are good in math struggle with the English language and provides simple solutions that can be implemented along with current reading and spelling programs.

Uncovering the Logic of English is ideal for teacher book studies and professional development. Reading this book is an excellent first step to improving reading and writing performance amongst students. We highly recommend this title for all teachers and administrators in the K12 system. The best schools understand that all teachers, including math, science and subject teachers, are integral to ensuring that all students reach proficiency in reading.

Cost Effective

The Logic of English Essentials curriculum is available to all at a reasonable price to be affordable by schools and parents alike.

The Logic of English Essentials curriculum weaves the five strands of reading instruction with handwriting, spelling, grammar, and composition to provide a whole language approach to mastering the printed word. Our systematic method of introducing each concept ensures that all students master the material. Logic of English Essentials is ideal for teaching reading, writing, and sentence structure to students ages 7 and up. It is a perfect program for improving reading and writing across the grades and can be used by teachers across the school to create a common basis of knowledge about English for both students and faculty.

Each lesson begins by learning a new multi-letter phonogram, spelling rule, and phonemic awareness activity. Numerous optional practice activities are included so that teachers do not need to create new material. The variety of activities provide teachers with options that will suit them and their students, as well as ideas for students who need extra practice. In this manner teachers are able to ensure that all students master the basic building blocks of English words

In Part 2, Fifteen high frequency vocabulary words are taught and analyzed. Using the rules and phonograms students logically analyze each word in order to understand why it is read and spelled in a particular manner. Each word includes a sample sentence, pronunciation key, detailed explanations about why each word is read and spelled in a particular manner. Numerous derivatives are also included for each word and can be used to rapidly expand students’ vocabularies.

Part 3 consists of a grammar lesson, dictation, composition and vocabulary development activities. As students learn to read and write individual words,  they are also taught how to assemble the words into phrases, then simple sentences, and later increasingly complex sentences. Teaching students systematically ensures that all students learn to read and write with ease. Grammar lessons also cover usage, punctuation, and common errors.

Vocabulary development activities teach students how to efficiently master a large English vocabulary by teaching them the relationship of words, roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Each lesson includes activities to expand students vocabularies and teach them the morphemic structure of English. In this way students learn the tools to not only decode any word in English, but also how to infer meaning of an unknown word.

Finally students have the opportunity to practice the phonograms, rules, words, and grammar through dictation and composition activities. Each step of the way students are supported so that they master the material and are not left to guess.

Teaching through Discovery

The Logic of English Essentials program is ideal for schools who are not meeting AYP in reading. The program can be used in grades 3+ across the grades to improve reading and writing skills across the student body. Schools can implement The Logic of English Essentials program in as little as sixteen weeks to teach all students the Logic of English. The program may be explained to parents of gifted children and to older students as a course in English Linguistics and Morphology meant to provide the students with a more in depth understanding of English as well as training students in critical thinking skills about language learning. Students who are proficient in reading before beginning the program usually show additional growth in their skills as they discover the “why’s” behind English spelling and grammar. Students who are not proficient in reading are systematically taught the pieces they have been missing about reading and spelling. Many of these students will show dramatic jumps in reading ability when taught using the Logic of English Essentials curriculum a minimum of ninety minutes per day over the course of sixteen weeks. Numerous optional activities are also included for additional practice for struggling students that may be assigned to para-professionals, volunteers, or as homework.

Though teacher training is recommended, the Logic of English Essentials program has been designed to include teacher supports to promote instructional consistency and has been taught proficiently by untrained teachers who believe in its value for students.

School Wide Intervention

Schools who want to dramatically improve reading scores across the grades may choose to use The Essentials program as a one time course for all students grades 2 and up. The program may then be used for students who need more intervention or who are new to the school. In this way all students and teachers learn the phonograms and rules which explain 98% of English words as well as how to break down and learn vocabulary by analyzing roots, prefixes, affixes. Though many students will be reading at proficient or above before a school wide intervention, these advanced students will also benefit from learning the linguistic structure underlying English. All students will also become better second language learners as they learn how to analyze language and look for patterns. Students will gain critical thinking skills as they discover the logic of English together with the support of the Essentials curriculum.

Remedial Students

Currently sixty-eight percent of eighth graders read below proficiency and a full twenty-five percent of students read below basic. Reading proficiency is the best indicator of dropout rate and is vital to closing the learning gap. Logic of English products are ideal for older students who are reading below grade level. The program provides answers to their questions. Many students who learn the Logic of English are able to make dramatic and rapid improvement to their reading scores.

Functional MRI research has demonstrated that students who struggle with reading use the front, right side of their brain while strong readers use the back left side of the brain. What is truly amazing is that with an average of eighty hours of systematic instruction students not only are able to make dramatic improvements in their ability to read but their brains begin to look like that of strong readers. Educators are able to accomplish what neurosurgeons cannot; they can rewire the brain through effective instruction!

The greatest problem with older students is the deep levels of shame and self hatred they usually feel about their reading problems. It is vital for teachers, parents, and educators to understand that students who struggle with reading, feel they have failed at the most basic aspect of education. The deep emotional struggles of these students are actually the most difficult aspect to overcome, because many of them have deeply internalized, “I am stupid. I hate reading. There is something wrong with me.”

We encourage educators to address these heart issues as part of the education process. A few ideas are included below:

• Explain to remedial students that they have had legitimate questions about English that have not been previously answered. Put up an example on the board such as mat - mate; hat - hate and then ask students what does have say? Ask them if they were told that "have" is an exception. Then explain that there are rules they were not taught such as “English words do not end in V.” Help them to see that they are not crazy for struggling and that they were actually very bright for seeing the inconsistencies.
• Point out the students’ strengths in hearing differences in pronunciation, in asking questions, and noticing words that didn’t seem to fit.
• Apologize for all the teachers who have told them that words are “exceptions.” Explain that you will teach them rules and phonograms that will logically explain 98% of words.
• Show them the literacy statistics in the United States: one-third of students read below proficiency, one-third of students below basic. Explain this in layman’s terms; one-third of students cannot read and two-thirds of students are struggling. Help them to know they are not alone.
• Explain that brain research has shown that there is nothing different about the brains of people who struggle with reading. Tell them that researchers can see the brain learn to read when struggling students are taught in a manner that makes sense to them and answers their questions.
• Help them to understand that no one maliciously held back this information or wanted them to fail. Help them to see that their other teachers did not know the logic of English and therefore couldn’t teach it.

Reading and the Logic of English Across the Curriculum

Teacher In-Services

Reading is the foundation of all education. Great schools know that providing teachers solid professional development in reading is essential to the success of all students and vital to the life of the school. Because English is the largest language in the history of the world and students must be continually adding to their vocabularies to become proficient it is vital that all teachers in the K12 system understand the logic of English and know how to draw connections as they introduce content words for their subjects.

The best way to raise reading scores across the district is to train all teachers in the basic of the Logic of English. This can be accomplished in one of three ways:

Hire a Logic of English trainer to provide an inservice at your school. Inservices can range from four hours to sixteen hours of instruction. (To help defray costs schools may sell spots in the training to teachers from other schools, parents, or other members in the community.)

Send one or more teachers to an inservice being conducted at another location so that they can come back and instruct your faculty.

Watch for upcoming free training on Youtube. At the Logic of English we understand the budgets are tight. Therefore, we are in process of creating a free youtube video of Logic of English training. Teacher Training Manuals will be available for purchase that include expanded notes, practice activities, and ideas for the classroom. Though we believe that interaction with a professional trainer is ideal, we also understand that video training is better than no-training.

Additional Supplements to Consider

The Logic of English Reference Chart summarizes the rules and phonograms in a durable fold-out reference chart. The front page includes a full color flow chart for adding a suffix to any word. Both teachers and students benefit from this quick reference of the rules and phonograms that explain English 98% of English words.

The Phonogram and Spelling Game Book is ideal for teaching students the phonograms and practicing spelling words. The book includes simple games appropriate for early childhood as well as more advanced games ideal for older learners.

Game Cards are beneficial for playing games to aid in the mastery of phonograms. Though the phonograms should be practiced daily, it is vital that the practice be fun and engaging. Card games are a perfect way for students to practice while enjoying the process. The game cards include all 74 phonograms plus additional game cards such as draw 2, stack, and rotten egg. Directions for card games are included in Chapter 1 of the Logic of English Phonogram and Spelling Game Book. The Game Cards are available in blue bookface, black bookface, and green cursive.

The Basic Phonogram Cards should be purchased by all reading and English teachers. These durable, coated flashcards are an efficient way to practice the sounds and phonograms which describe the most commonly used words in English. These cards are required with the Logic of English Essentials Curriculum though many people purchase the cards to integrate with other curriculum.

The Advanced Phonogram Cards include the advanced phonograms which are used to describe less frequently used vocabulary words. They are beneficial for students in third grade and above. The advanced phonograms are frequently encountered in content areas, especially science and history. For this reason, it is helpful when subject teachers are able to quickly point out an advanced phonogram, its language of origin, and possible a few other sample words which use it.

The Spelling Rule Flash Cards illustrate the spelling rules with sample words on the back of each card. They are also beneficial for drilling the spelling rules to ensure long term mastery. These cards are scheduled in The Logic of English Essentials Curriculum and are highly recommended as an additional method of practice. However, since all the rules are repeated in the Teacher’s Manual and can be recited orally, these cards are considered optional.

The Grammar Rule Flash Cards are beneficial for teaching the parts of speech, punctuation rules, sentence styles, sentence types, and more in order to help students build a solid foundation in reading and writing. These cards are scheduled in The Logic of English Essentials Teacher’s Manual and are highly recommended. However, since the rules are clearly stated in each lesson, the cards are considered an optional.

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