Summer Reading Skills Program for Children and Adults

William Jewell College, Division of Continuing Education is pleased to offer eight different reading skills and speed reading programs.  Each program in this series produces a significant boost in reading skill and comprehension, and also helps to stimulate a lifelong interest in reading for pleasure.

Of all the things parents do for their children, there are very few as important as helping them develop a love of books, and the habit of reading independently for pleasure. Reading for enjoyment lasts a lifetime.  It profoundly affects your child's academic and professional success, and it also shapes your child's character.  No matter what your child's age, level of reading skill, and current attitude toward books, it's never too late to develop a love of reading.  

Instructors are drawn from the faculty of the Institute of Reading Development and all curriculum and materials have been approved by William Jewell College, Division of Continuing Education.  Parent and student evaluations indicate that these programs are remarkably successful in turning poor readers into good readers and good readers into great readers.

Program Descriptions

Program R: Reading Readiness Skills for 4-Year-Olds & Entering Kindergartners

Kindergarten reading instruction is enjoyable and successful for students with strong reading readiness skills.  In this program, your son or daughter will learn and practice alphabet, beginning phonics, and comprehension skills, while having fun and building confidence.

Program 1: Beginning Reading Skills for Entering 1st Graders

First grade requires a strong foundation of reading skills and a high level of confidence. In this program, your son or daughter will experience success, while learning and using the skills required for first grade reading, including beginning phonics, sight vocabulary, reading aloud, and comprehension skills.
 

Program 2: Independent Reading Skills for Entering 2nd Graders

Success in second grade depends upon mastery of independent reading skills.  In this program, your son or daughter will build confidence while learning and practicing these skills, including phonics, word-attack skills, multi-syllable words, sight vocabulary, reading aloud with expression, silent reading, and comprehension skills.
 
Program 3: Reading Skills Program for Entering 3rd Graders

In third grade, students become fluent readers.  In this program, your son or daughter will learn and practice the skills required to achieve fluent independent reading, including phonics, word-attack skills, multi-syllable words, sight vocabulary, silent reading, reading with expression, and comprehension skills.
 
Program 4: Reading Fluency and Comprehension Skills for Entering 4th & 5th Graders

In fourth and fifth grade, students must read complex text fluently, with strong comprehension.  In this program, our average student gains more than one grade level in reading comprehension, while learning to read complex words and sentences more fluently. Your son or daughter will learn to identify main ideas, take notes for book reports, study for tests, and improve concentration and recall.
 
Program 5: Comprehension Training and Speed Reading Skills for Entering 6th – 8th Graders

In this program, our average student improves reading comprehension one or two grade levels while more than doubling reading speed.  Because reading becomes easier and more enjoyable, our students develop the habit of reading for pleasure.  Your son or daughter will learn the best way to improve vocabulary, study textbooks, take notes, and prepare for tests.
 

Program 6: Speed Reading Skills and Comprehension Training for Entering 9th – 11th Graders

In this program, our average student improves reading comprehension one or two grade levels while more than doubling reading speed.  Because reading becomes easier and more enjoyable, our students develop the habit of reading for pleasure.  Your son or daughter will learn the best way to improve vocabulary, study textbooks, take notes, and prepare for tests. This program is an excellent way to prepare for the SAT and ACT!
 

Program 7: Speed Reading for Work, School and Recreation for Adults, College Students & Entering High School Seniors

When you complete our adult speed reading program, you will read three to four times as fast in novels, newspapers, and most business and school materials.  In more difficult reading, such as academic and professional journals or college textbooks, you will read two to three times as fast.

Testimonials

“My son was hesitant to sound out words, but he is much more willing to try now and figure them out.  He even tries to read to his brother and sister.”

– Parent of 1st grader

“I am writing to thank your summer reading program teacher. My son took the program, and we have all noticed a big improvement. The TV is on less, and Brian is reading without being asked to.”

– Parent of 5th grader

"I really enjoyed the class.  I had no idea that I could improve my reading skills so much!"

– High School Junior

"Coming in I was able to comprehend material very well, but only when reading very slowly.  This class has enabled me to bring up my reading speed without adversely affecting my ability to comprehend the material."

– College Freshman

Teaching Locations

All programs meet once each week for five weeks.  Programs meet in Overland Park, Kansas City, and Liberty. Programs begin in June and July.  Tuition is $199 for Program R and $299 for all other programs.  Please inquire early as class size is limited. 

For more information or to register, call one of our Program Directors at 1-800-964-8888,

7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.