How it Works
We make it easy.
The more they practice the better they will get, but of they are making mistakes whilst practicing then they need to know that. Which is why everyone encourages parents to spend time reading with their kids to correct mistakes whilst the child reads and to demonstrate good reading when required.
Yet parents are not always around when you need them and it is left to teachers to pick up that slack, its mission impossible for a teacher with a class of 25+ students.
“The best way to improve reading ability in kids is PRACTICE.”
We make it as simple as possible for the teacher/school to create and manage this ongoing learning activity.
Groups of students are split into pairs, one is older (i.e. a better reader) and the other is younger (i.e. not as good a reader).
This can be a simple list in Microsoft Excel which the user uploads into our ADMIN system, which automatically maps the data in the spreadsheet columns and imports the data into The Reading Buddies. The user is presented with a list in the ADMIN system (see example below) where the username/password combination for each individual is automatically created and ready for distribution to each student.
In the future there will be AI tools which will provide endless patience to read with students and expert knowledge when required, but until that capability is developed (and it is coming) our best bet is to use humans.
Tutors are expensive, but organising reading buddy groups within your own schools student community is not expensive because you don’t have to pay the tutor!
Reading buddies help each other.
They login to the Chatty Kids platform and read books together during an online call, they select books from an online library of educational books and the buddy listens whilst the reader reads the text out loud. Simple.
Once the students have their own username/password the pair login, join their reading room and spend time reading books together:
The older student helps the younger student when needed, identifying and correcting mistakes, demonstrating good reading and providing motivation to read more. The older student also gains valuable experience and life skills when teaching/mentoring the younger student.
The younger student practices their reading and learns from the older student.
This activity can be done in the classroom or is an ideal ‘at home’ activity using the online digital delivery tools.