Learning Ally Blog: Access and Achievement

September 11, 2023 by User

Is your child struggling to read?

Reading is the key to learning success, but many children struggle to learn how to read during their younger years. Printed text can create obstacles for children with learning differences, like dyslexia, who find it challenging to learn how to decode words and comprehend meaning. This leads to falling behind in class, and a cycle of academic failure at a very young age.

Today 30 million students struggle to read, and one in five students has a learning disability. These children are often persistently slow in their rate of response to instruction, and struggle to read independently. In the fourth grade students are no longer learning to read, but are expected to have mastered the skill of reading. If reading deficits go unnoticed by fourth grade, over 65% of children will read below proficiency, unable to absorb complex texts.

What the science says about how the brain learns to read

A growing body of evidence suggests that developmental dyslexia might arise from impaired information processing, which is based on disruptive neural responses. Psychologist and Cognitive Neuroscientist, Stanislas Dehaene, PhD, is the Chair of Experimental Cognitive Psychology at the Collége de France in Paris, and directs the NeuroSpin center foremost in advanced brain imaging. Dehaene’s research investigates the neural bases of human cognitive functions such as reading, and language, with particular interest on the impact brain-based learning has in education.

Learning to read consists of recognizing letters and how they combine into written words, and then connecting them to the brain systems for coding of speech sounds and for meaning. According to Dr. Dehaene, reading starts in our brains like any other visual stimulation in the general visual areas of the brain, but quickly moves into an area of the brain that concerns the recognition of the written word. He calls this area the brain's "letter box" because it stores our knowledge of letters. From there, an explosion of activity happens in at least two important brain networks; one that concerns the meaning of words, and one that concerns the pronunciation and articulation of words. Dr. Dehaene says, “The beginning reader’s brain acts as a “super-computer” that needs to be fed with structured inputs, a well-designed curriculum, and explicit teaching of phonics and spelling.”

Breaking down barriers to reading

Learning Ally’s human-read audiobook solution is proven to double the rate of reading growth in just 50 days. It is a supplemental reading tool that empowers children and adolescents to become confident readers, effective communicators, and empathetic individuals. Access to books in digital format can reduce the stress and anxiety many struggling readers endure, especially those with dyslexia. Learning Ally has a dyslexia screening tool that will aid you in determining if your child has early reading difficulties. Your child may already qualify for Learning Ally if they have an Individual Education Plan.

The organization's digital audiobook library is filled with K-12 textbooks and culturally rich, age-appropriate, stories to assist children in reading about, and identifying with, their heritage, unique interests, and personal aspirations. Instead of frustration and angst for your child, this audiobook solution can pique their curiosity, imagination, and enthusiasm for a new world of learning, driven by their innate desire for knowledge, exploration, and self-awareness. As children enjoy best-sellers and receive the textbooks they need for school, they can improve their academic potential and social connections with classmates, teachers, and family. They feel part of their school community of good readers and participate in class.

Benefits of human-read audiobooks in support of struggling readers

Research tells us that children who listen to audiobooks can recall information more readily. Listening to audiobooks improves speaking accuracy and fluency, and access to anytime and anywhere reading independently.

Using the Learning Ally app, students have access to interactive learning tools geared to help them succeed in school, including:

• highlighted text synced with audio narration
• speed control
• in-app dictionary
• bookmarking, highlighting, and annotating features.

As children simultaneously see the words and hear text spoken with human-narration, their brains can better connect words to vocabulary, speech, and context. With human narration, a child can notice correct pronunciation, recognize and learn new words, get a flow of reading rate, pauses, stresses, and intonations – all skills crucial to ensure meaningful comprehension, and command over any language.

Becoming a member of Learning Ally will give you access to many important resources about dyslexia, the science of reading, and brain-based learning, while ensuring children discover the joy of reading, and receive equitable access to literature and textbooks, and popular titles.

First-time members pay just $99 a year. This is $36 less than the original subscription price of $135. Use this code: HOME99

Incorporating Learning Ally’s culturally relevant human-read audiobooks into literacy instruction improves reading outcomes, speaking accuracy, and critical thinking. You will be helping your child improve essential early language skills through better comprehension, while building social and emotional well-being and pride in their learning potential.

Read More about Audiobook Solution for Kids Who Struggle with Reading

Categories: Assistive Technology, Audiobook Library, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, Learning Disability, Parenting, Students

August 21, 2023 by User

Playtime is more than just colorful toys scattered across your living room! In fact, there are many academic and socio-emotional benefits that come from children’s playtime.

Parents can unlock children’s full potential through play-based literacy instruction! By embracing the joyful nature of play and recognizing the importance of literacy and socio-emotional learning, you create an environment where learning is an exciting adventure.

Play, Literacy, and Socio-Emotional Learning

Literacy is like a key that unlocks a world of knowledge and success for our kids. But here's the best part—it's not just about reading words on a page. Literacy includes comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. And guess what? Play-based learning is the secret ingredient to making it all click!

When we integrate play into literacy, we give our kids the chance to grow emotionally and socially (while also becoming reading superheroes!). Did you know that play is the natural language of children? It's how they explore, experiment, and understand the world around them.

Play-based learning takes kids’ innate curiosity and enthusiasm and transforms it into an engaging experience that boosts language development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It's like a magical journey of learning and fun!

4 Play-Based Literacy Activities

1. Alphabet Treasure Hunt

Create a thrilling alphabet treasure hunt by hiding objects or cards representing different letters around your home. Give your child a list of letters to find or clues related to each letter's sound or a word that starts with that letter.

Let the adventure begin!

2. Sensory Letter Play

Engage your child's senses by exploring the alphabet through sensory letter play. Fill a tray or container with sand, rice, or any sensory material. Bury alphabet magnets or foam letters in it and encourage your child to dig them out. Together, discover each letter, name it, make its sound, or think of words that start with it.

Enjoy a hands-on exploration that enhances their tactile skills!

3. Alphabet Obstacle Course

Turn learning the alphabet into an exciting physical adventure by creating an ABC obstacle course at home. Use colorful tape or chalk to form the letters of the alphabet on the floor, and let each letter represent a different station or activity.

For example, when your child reaches the letter "A," they can act like an alligator, and at the letter "B," they can pretend to be a bird.

Combine movement and letter recognition!

4. Letter Collage

Spark your child's creativity and reinforce letter recognition by creating a letter collage together. Provide magazines, newspapers, or colored paper and ask your child to search for pictures or words that start with a specific letter. Cut them out and help your child glue them onto a larger sheet of paper in the shape of the corresponding letter.

Enhance their fine motor skills and vocabulary!

Embracing the Joy of Play

Through play, your child becomes a confident reader, an effective communicator, and an empathetic individual. So, let's harness the magic of play and create a generation of lifelong learners who excel in academics and thrive emotionally and socially!

Remember, play is the secret ingredient that makes learning fun and effective. So, let the play begin, and watch your child soar to new heights of literacy and socio-emotional growth!

The Lingokids app provides a platform that harnesses the power of play, helping children thrive in learning a new language. Lingokids’ interactive learning universe immerses your child in a modern curriculum in English with an array of experiences that deliver learning through play. Most importantly, the app teaches literacy, along with other academic and life skills, through interactive games, quizzes, puzzles, digital books, videos, and songs—so engaging that kids don’t even realize they’re learning!

When children interact with Lingokids, they’re seamlessly blending play and learning in a way that is delightful and fun! Discover more activities, parenting support, and educational tools on the Lingokids blog!

References:

Morin, A. (2021) Play-based activities that build reading readiness, Edutopia. Available at: https://www.edutopia.org/article/play-based-activities-build-reading-readiness/.

Read More about Boost Literacy and Socio-Emotional Learning with the Power of Play

Categories: Parenting

May 23, 2023 by User

For Immediate Release:

May 23, 2023 - Princeton, NJ – Learning Ally, a national nonprofit working with U.S. schools and American families to improve equity and access to required textbooks and literature for students with print disabilities, has announced the winners of its 2023 National Achievement Awards. (NAA) 

Learning Ally is a leading literacy provider of accessible ‘human-read’ audiobooks and early literacy programs to accommodate eligible students in Pre-K to 12th grade. Accessible books enable students to study alongside their peers and achieve their highest academic potential through grade-level reading. 

Each year, Learning Ally recognizes a select group of high school and college-age students for exemplary academic achievement and personal growth in their classes and communities. 

Annual funding from generous donors and champions of literacy support the organization's development of innovative reading solutions for the classroom, professional learning and leadership programs to enrich educators' knowledge on reading best practices, and the ability to host teacher and student recognition programs.

This year’s student winners are: 

• Allison Murphy, NY

• Samuel Lombeh, TX

• Skylar Adad, CA

• Robert Welton, NJ

• Ava Cocke, AL

• Ylia Thumann, NJ

• Jake Sporleder, CA

• Tori Reese, CA

• Katelyn Justice, KY

 

Dr. Molly Ness, V.P. of Academic Content for Learning Ally says, “In the face of many learning challenges, these incredible individuals have accomplished so much. Each has a unique story to share that demonstrates perseverance, courage, and dedication to their educational and lifelong endeavors. They shine a spotlight on the amazing capabilities of the disability community, and show us that with the right support, resources, and positive thinking, everyone can excel at learning.” 

Over 200,000 U.S. educators rely on Learning Ally to transform their classroom learning experience for tens of thousands of students who struggle to read print, including students with dyslexia. 

The 2024 NAA application process will open in September. Student members of Learning Ally who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to submit an application.  

Annual NAA scholarship awards are determined by a National Selection Committee who are champions for equity, access and literacy for all. 

For information about the 2024 National Achievement Awards, visit learningally.org/naa.

About Learning Ally                                          

Learning Ally is a leading education nonprofit dedicated to empowering educators with proven solutions that help new and struggling learners reach their potential. Our range of literacy-focused offerings for students in Pre-K to 12th grade and catalog of professional learning allows us to support more than 2 million students and 445,000 educators across the United States. 

www.learningally.org 800-221-1098. 

 

Read More about Students with Disabilities Win 2023 National Achievement Award For Outstanding Academic and Personal Accomplishments

Categories: Blind or Visually Impaired, Disability Type, In the News, Learning Disability, National Achievement Awards, Press Releases, Reading Champions, Students

April 14, 2023 by User

Learning Ally is celebrating 75 years of Literacy for All and we’re rediscovering and reconnecting with some of the wonderful people who have benefitted from our education solutions.

Meet Karen Gearreald from Virginia, who was born blind and is one of our first National Achievement Award winners. She was with us when we were Recording for the Blind (RFD) in the 1950’s through 1995, when we became Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). Over the years she’s been with us when our recordings went from reel to reel tapes, to cassette tapes, to CD’s, to now, audiobooks, and best of all, she has been a part of our transformational journey and had access to all of them.

And her achievements are extraordinary. Karen shares, “I earned a Ph.D. in English at Harvard as well as a J.D. degree at Duke. I have since enjoyed a long career as a teacher, lawyer, musician, and entrepreneur. I am deeply grateful for Learning Ally’s help and encouragement.”

Watch this short video to learn more about Karen’s accomplishments and she Learning Ally gave her the educational tools she needed to read, learn and succeed.

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Celebrating 75 years of life-changing solutions - Help us start the next chapter strong

Recording for the Blind (RFB) in the 1950’s through 1995, then Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) and now Learning Ally has provided accessible content through assistant technology since 1948.  We’re proud to share that we’re expanding our outreach to students who have a reading deficit because they come from low-income households or because English isn’t their first language, among other factors. Florida State University has joined MIT and UCSF as we pilot our Whole Child Literacy and Excite Reading programs aimed at these households—and we have new programming in the works to support K-12 students, too.

Read More about 75 Years of Literacy for All: 1960 Scholarship Winner

Categories: Featured

April 3, 2023 by User

It's Volunteer Appreciation Month, (2023) and Learning Ally is dedicating the entire month to celebrate our Volunteer Nation, and to thank the dedicated individuals across the globe for decades of their generous support and service to our organization. 

We are also celebrating our 75th Anniversary! 

For over 75 years, Learning Ally has relied on the tremendous support of volunteers to transform the lives of struggling readers and to reach more students as the literacy crisis continues to grow in the U.S. Serving this many students is no small undertaking. At the heart of our mission, our volunteers enable Learning Ally to continue to make strides in achieving literacy for all. In fact, in 2022, Learning Ally continued to make leaps and bounds, supporting over 2 million students and 450,000 educators nationwide. 

Who is the Volunteer Nation?

The Volunteer Nation is a global community of volunteers who bring their unique skills to make an impact on literacy and life outcomes for struggling readers in the U.S. Talented and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds join Learning Ally weekly, including students, young professionals, seasoned educators, voice-over artists, university professors, retirees, and even former users of Learning Ally’s solutions. Last year alone, more than 2,790 volunteers donated 35,470 hours. Volunteers bring to life stories in the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution and Excite Reading™, and they support strategic initiatives to grow our reach, engagement, and impact. 

Over Learning Ally’s 75-year history, volunteers have contributed to creating our audiobook library of over 80,000 titles for students to use in school and beyond. Today, our volunteer impact spans all areas of Learning Ally’s mission. Volunteers help Learning Ally engage and empower educators to be literacy leaders. They support call campaigns to thank donors and inform schools about grants available to them. They also assist at our annual conferences, conduct research, and contribute to advocacy efforts. 

Through our Corporate Volunteer Program, Learning Ally has welcomed thousands of employee volunteers from companies such as PwC, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, and CSAA. Our Corporate Volunteer Program helps to spread our mission to new individuals while assisting companies in giving back to their community.

How did the Volunteer Nation start? 

In the late 1940s, Learning Ally founder Anne T. Macdonald recognized a growing need for audiobooks when wounded war veterans returned from WWII newly blind. Macdonald set a precedent for how technology could be used to support equitable access to literacy. She famously said, “Education is a right, not a privilege.”

Today, Learning Ally volunteers are part of a historic community that continues these values of ensuring accessible education for all. In the digital age, we affectionately refer to our volunteer community as the #VolunteerNation because volunteerism at Learning Ally has grown exponentially, with individuals involved nationwide and now around the globe. Not only are our volunteers passionate about supporting students, but they are also thoughtful, determined, and caring to our staff members. They possess the true qualities of a Literacy Leader.

Our Earliest Volunteer Efforts

On average, we have over 200 volunteers working in 30 roles each month. Our largest and longest-standing volunteer program is in audiobook production. Volunteers have been supporting the creation of audiobooks since Macdonald first began recording books on vinyl records in the basement of the New York Public Library. Back then, each record could only fit fifteen minutes of audio. Recording one book required a great deal of time. 

As Learning Ally adapted to technological advances, so too did our volunteers. The Volunteer Nation eventually moved on to record books on cassettes and CDs at our 26 recording studios throughout the U.S. to volunteer. Now, many volunteers record professional quality narrations from their home studios. Learning Ally has one studio open today in Texas, which is often visited by students from universities to learn about the audiobook industry and donate their time to support our mission. Remote or in-person, it takes a team of 12-15 volunteers to produce one single audiobook. 

Learning Ally is beyond grateful for the many volunteers who generously donate their time and energy to serving students and educators across the country. With the support of our Volunteer Nation, Learning Ally has been able to help struggling readers achieve their full potential for over 75 years. Together we’re working towards literacy for all, and we look forward to 75 more years with our Volunteer Nation. 

Thank you, Learning Ally Volunteers, for your many years of service transforming literacy and life outcomes for students. 

Do you want to join the Volunteer Nation? 

Learn how to get involved as a volunteer with Learning Ally by visiting our website.

Read More about Celebrating 75 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Volunteers’ Impact on Struggling Readers

Categories: Activities, General, Giving, In the News, Public Policy/Advocacy, Volunteerism