Double Dose Literacy
In most cases, a double dose is a good thing, and that certainly pertains to reading. In Durham Public Schools we are giving many of our students Double Dose Literacy. Double Dose supplements the regular classroom reading instruction, rather than replacing it.
Students work in small groups, six to a teacher which fosters greater attention and time for understanding. During a 45-minute lesson, the teacher uses an outline that covers the following components:
- Word Works provides grade-appropriate instruction in phonics, letter-sound recognition, word reading, and sight words. Each skill is taught deliberately, and with a purpose in mind.
- Read to Understand gives young readers daily opportunities to apply new skills with engaging text. Vocabulary instruction builds students’ understanding and helps them read more strategically.
- Leveled daily passages engage, inform and increase concept knowledge in science and social studies. This builds students’ background knowledge in these areas.
- Twelve topical units called Adventures increase concept knowledge in science and social studies.
- Extra Fluency Readers are books that provide additional practice for students to engage in authentic nonfiction reading.
