INTERVENTION READING CURRICULUM PILOT

LED BY DR. JENNY FRENCH

Every athlete becomes stronger by consistent practice, targeted coaching, and a training plan designed to build skills over time. Reading works in a similar way.

The Reading Gym was created with one goal in mind: helping adolescent readers develop the foundational skills they need to become confident, independent readers. Many secondary students have spent years believing they simply are not "good readers" when, in reality, they have gaps in the underlying skills that support fluent reading and comprehension. This curriculum is designed to strengthen those skills using explicit instruction, meaningful practice, and routines that promote steady growth.

Established on the principles of structured literacy and supported by current reading research, The Reading Gym provides systematic instruction in phonics, syllable patterns, morphology, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and written language. Each lesson is intentionally designed to build on previously learned skills while providing multiple opportunities for review and application.

The gym theme is not just visually thematic; it symbolizes an attitude about learning to read. Developing strength takes repetition and commitment to practice. In a similar way, developing proficient reading skills are achieved by one new skill, one new reading strategy, and one positive experience with reading each day. Students develop into readers by doing the "work" of reading daily.

Throughout the curriculum, students are engaged in a variety of instructional routines that are both repetitive and predictable. Students have opportunities for independent application, cumulative review, and collaborative practices. The repetition of these instructional routines allows the student to become less focused on how they learn (new procedure) and be able to focus on what they are learning. Teachers will continue to evaluate the students' knowledge through formative assessments and progress monitoring to identify areas where students may need additional support.

The Reading Gym is designed for use in Secondary Intervention Settings (e.g., MTSS Programs, reading support classes) where adolescent learners may benefit from systematic and explicit literacy instruction. Regardless of whether the intention of The Reading Gym is to close significant skill gaps or enhance adolescent learners' overall reading proficiency, the ultimate objective of The Reading Gym is to develop stronger, more confident readers capable of meeting expectations across the curriculum.

Reading growth does not happen overnight. It happens using consistent effort, purposeful instruction, and the belief that every student can improve.

Thank you for helping us perfect The Reading Gym and for investing your time and effort in the success of adolescent readers. Together, we will train the brain, build the reader, and celebrate every step of the journey.

Laura M Johnson, M. Ed., Secondary Strength, LLC