Date: Fri 27-Sep-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-reading-Life-Skills

Full Text:

Vital Signs That Help Middle Schoolers Read

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

Newtown Middle School special education teacher Corinne Cox knows the ability

to read is essential to getting along in this world. Learning to read,

however, is a complicated process, especially for students who have learning

difficulties.

She also believes traditional modes of instruction, such as textbooks and

workbooks, aren't necessarily the best way for her students to master reading,

so she tries to take an innovative approach.

For example, while teaching her eighth grade Life Skills class, Ms Cox has

discovered that when words are associated with practical, every day uses -

such as the words on a sign warning of "danger" or menu items, such as

"hamburger and French fries" - her students read more easily.

"We learn to read by logos. It's part of the program," Ms Cox explained

recently.

She said the class makes periodic trips to the Back Door Cafe, where they must

read the names of menu items before ordering them.

"We're making real progress there," she said.

Ms Cox is grateful for any ideas or help from the community, she said, and

cited a recent contribution by an SNET company employee, Dick Muchlson, who

offered to give the class signs to practice their reading skills.

"He brought over a whole list. It was a great help. He was wonderful to do

it," Ms. Cox said.

The following were some of the SNET signs Mr. Muchlson donated to the class:

"Exit," "Men," "In Case Of Emergency, Dial 911," "No Admittance," "Keep Out,"

"Authorized Personnel Only," "Employees Only," "Vacancy," "Push," "No

Trespassing," "Emergency Exit Only" and "No Parking."

Students in the Life Skills class work most of the day with special education

teachers like Ms Cox, but they are often included in regular, mainstream

classes such as music, physical education and art.

"They participate to the best of their ability," Ms Cox said.