As parents, we often have a lot of questions about our children's reading journey. They range from, "When should my child be able to read independently?" to "What should I do if my child is behind?" These questions stem from a culture fixated on childhood benchmarks, which can inadvertently create anxiety rather than fostering a love for reading and learning. At Wildfire Academy, we believe in nurturing a passion for reading first, which grows into a lifetime of joyful reading. Our approach is a far cry from the anxious, factory style reading programs enforced in traditional schools.
Embracing the Joy of Reading
Our first and foremost goal is to help children develop a genuine love for reading and self-confidence in their abilities. To achieve this, we incorporate DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time into our weekly schedule. This dedicated period allows learners to immerse themselves in books of their choosing, promoting an environment where reading is seen as a pleasurable and rewarding activity.
We provide a diverse selection of books, catering to various interests and reading levels. Our framework encourages learners to choose books that are both challenging and enjoyable, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a love for stories.
Building Technical Skills with Montessori Methods
To teach the technical skills of reading, we employ self-paced Montessori-style programs. Our Waseca language program, along with grammar boxes and word study through our Spark and Ignition programs, offers a structured yet flexible approach. These programs are designed to cater to both our younger and older learners, allowing each child to progress at their own pace, while having to master every aspect of reading and writing.
Through these methods, children learn the intricacies of language in a way that feels natural and engaging. This individualized approach ensures that every learner builds a strong foundation in reading, paving the way for future academic success. The programs allow children to practice, self-evaluate, and then be evaluated as they progress, step by step, from reading single words to writing essays, biographies, letters and more. This ensures a mastery of reading gets developed, along with confidence, self-discipline, and a true passion for reading.
Fostering Independence and Joyful Habits
All of our tools and programs are designed with one core principle in mind: children who love to read, will read for a lifetime. It should be driven by a passion for learning and exploration through the written word.
Our approach ensures that children develop a lifelong love of reading, one that doesn't rely on parents or teachers to push them forward. By creating an environment where reading is celebrated and enjoyed, we empower our learners to take charge of their educational journeys with confidence and enthusiasm.
I'm Brady Eshleman, the Ignition Guide and Founder at Wildfire Academy. We invite you to join us in this journey, where reading becomes a joyful and independent habit that enriches lives and opens doors to endless possibilities.
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