ReadRx



What is ReadRx?
ReadRx is a revolutionary 'sound-to-code' accelerated reading program modeled after the process by which spoken language is first learned. Students who read below grade level are averaging over 3 and one half years reading skills improvement in less than 5 months. It teaches reading and spelling concurrently through techniques that train students to accurately recognize and understand that letters and letter combinations stand for specific sounds of speech. The program can provide an incredible foundation in reading skills for those students just learning to read. It also aids individuals of all ages who struggle with reading difficulties, and is especially beneficial for student-readers who might have developed inefficient or inaccurate reading habits. The versatility of ReadRx is shown in that it can give a first grader a reliable reading system for life, and it can completely rebuild the faulty system of a lifelong struggling reader.

How It Works
ReadRx accelerated reading program is designed to integrate with and build upon the LearningRx cognitive enhancement program, ThinkRx. Studies indicate that 85% of students testing low on reading proficiency also have weak underlying cognitive skills, in particular auditory processing skills. ReadRx training is provided to students in conjunction with ThinkRx cognitive training. Students immediately begin to strengthen their auditory processing skills, the most critical skills required to read effectively. Time spent building a strong cognitive skill foundation through the ThinkRx training ensures that the student will have the tools required to efficiently learn and use the reading and spelling code presented in ReadRx.

Unique, strategic program design and one-on-one training techniques combine to set ReadRx apart as an effective accelerated reading program.

ReadRx Develops Underlying Skills Needed for Reading
ReadRx recognizes that some students do not bring sufficient cognitive skills to the task of learning the reading code quickly and efficiently. Even if the code is taught completely and sequentially, a student who has a severe auditory processing deficiency, is not concentrating adequately, works too slowly, has poor memory skills, or cannot create good mental images, will complete lessons very slowly or exhibit poor retention. When these skills are in place, however, students learn rapidly. ReadRx has been designed to remedy these significant problem areas. It works in conjunction with ThinkRx to enhance: ReadRx Is Properly Sequenced
To handle the complex logic of our alphabet code, a student must master each level of complexity in carefully sequenced steps.

Start With the Basics
To facilitate this, ReadRx starts with blending, segmenting, and sound analysis. To teach these skills needed for reading, nonsense words are used so students do not rely on their memory of known words. Practice is provided in segmenting words into isolated phonemes and blending isolated sounds into words. Encoding (spelling), decoding (reading), and writing exercises are used so that the reversibility of the code is made clear.

Some students struggle to correctly pronounce and differentiate between all of the sounds of the standard English language. These individuals get more direct instruction at a sensory level about how parts of the mouth (jaw, teeth, tongue, lips, vocal chords) interact to form the individual sounds.

Progress from the Simple to the Complex
ReadRx is both generally (in the overall layout) and specifically sequenced (in each individual lesson category) for maximum effect. Initially the twelve consonant sounds with only one main spelling - or one spelling by position in a word - are taught ('d' = /d/ as in 'dog' or 'fed'). Then, the remaining twelve consonants and their most likely spelling are taught (/ch/ = 'ch' as in 'chip' or 'much'). The 18 vowel sounds are also taught from simple to complex. First, sounds spelled with the five vowel letters are taught /a/ /e/ /i/ /u/ /o/. Then, the "e-controlled" sounds /a-e/ /ee/ /i-e/ /o-e/ /u-e/, followed by the 'o' vowels sounds: /oo/ /oo/ /ou/ /oi/. Finally the "vowel + r" sounds are taught (/er/ /or/ /ar/ /air/).

Build from the Most Probable to the Less Probable
After the student has learned the most probable spelling for each sound, the less probable, alternative spellings are introduced. For example, the /n/ sound can be represented by an 'n' ('note'), 'kn' ('knot') or 'gn' ('gnat'). These alternative spellings are taught from most likely to least likely. Through use and drill, the letter patterns and the probability of their appearance are stored in long-term memory. This enables an individual to choose the most likely spelling for a word, instead of randomly guessing.

Finally, Present the Alternatives and Overlaps…all Without Rule Memorization
Additional language complexities such as overlaps of the code (in which a letter or letter combinations represent more than one sound) are also taught. For example, the letter 'u' can be involved in a number of different sounds: cut, full, cute, and ruin. Such overlaps often create problems when reading. Various exercises are utilized to quickly teach how letters overlap to produce various sounds as new vowel spellings are introduced. The ReadRx method of handling alternative spellings and code overlap without memorizing rules reduces "sight words" and "exceptions" that are required in many other reading systems by about 75%.

ReadRx Uses a Unique Methodology
Through carefully designed exercises presented in one-on-one training sessions, ReadRx embeds the standard English reading code to an automatic, subconscious level. This is in contrast to most programs that are designed to passively teach lessons that are easily forgotten in a short period of time. This distinctive is especially beneficial for older readers who have developed many bad reading habits, and could easily fall back into old ineffective reading patterns. ReadRx uses the following training techniques to produce fast, lasting results: By using these techniques, and by making the sequence of the reading and spelling lessons in agreement with the logic of our alphabetic system, ReadRx training results in rapid mastery and automation of spelling and reading skills.

The techniques are delivered to the student through one-on-one training over approximately 24 weeks. Certified LearningRx trainers lead three, one-hour sessions each week with the student. Parents or guardians are required to provide an additional four hours of home training and reinforcement. Beginning readers quickly establish good fundamental auditory and reading skills. Struggling students, upon beginning the program, see significant improvements quickly. Past frustrations and failures are naturally overcome. For these students, ReadRx training truly offers a second chance at fun, efficient reading.

If you or someone you know struggles to read, a combination of weak underlying cognitive skills and a poor reading skill system may be the reason. If this is the cause of the difficulty, it can be corrected and you can experience a lifetime of faster, easier learning and reading.