About R.E.A.D.D
Our Mission
Our Programs
Our Programs
We believe in human dignity and human flourishing. Our mission is to improve literacy rates and promote a love of reading. We believe that literacy rates are implicitly correlated with individual and family flourishing and success.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Our Programs
We offer 3 programs. (1) Needs Based Literacy i.e., Language skills necessary to navigate back to school. (2) Discovery Bible Study for Conversation (3) Native Language Literacy. These programs vary in schedule, please email fir inquiry.
Our Team
Our Programs
Our Team
Our team is made up of passionate instructors and volunteers who are dedicated to helping learners achieve their literacy goals.
Join R.E.A.D.D Needs-Based Literacy Program Today
Welcome to the R.E.A.D.D Literacy Program!
We offer a Needs-Based pedagogy for our English as a Second Language (ESL) methodologies. This method intersects with the “trauma-informed” pedagogy in the manner of decreasing the anxiety associated with the liminal nature of the immigrant experience in their new home.
Trauma-Informed Methods
Trauma-informed instruction recognizes that past traumatic experiences can significantly impede a learner's ability to engage and succeed in educational settings. This approach emphasizes creating safe, supportive, and predictable environments that mitigate the adverse effects of trauma. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a trauma-informed approach involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.¹
For ESL learners, this might include creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment, accommodating diverse learning styles, and providing emotional support. Teachers trained in trauma-informed methods are better equipped to recognize signs of trauma and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the emotional and cognitive needs of their students.
Needs-Informed Methods
Needs-informed or Needs-Based instruction attempts to do the same for future experiences innate to existing on the American soil. Tailoring educational practices to the specific needs and contexts of individual learners. This approach acknowledges the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of students, and seeks to create personalized learning pathways. ²
In the context of ESL, our needs-based methods involves conducting initial assessments to understand any key language groups needs and learning goals. Instructors then use this information to design instructional strategies that are both culturally responsive and pedagogically sound.³
Our Integrated Approaches
Integrating trauma-informed and needs-based methods can create a holistic and supportive learning environment for ESL students. For instance, teachers can use trauma-informed strategies to build trust and safety, while simultaneously employing needs-informed methods to address the linguistic and cultural needs of their students.
One such integrated approach is the use of culturally responsive teaching practices that incorporate elements of both trauma-informed and needs-informed pedagogy. This involves creating a classroom culture that values and respects the diverse backgrounds of students, while also providing the emotional and academic support needed for success.⁴
Practical Applications
In practice, teachers might implement strategies such as:
- Establishing a Safe and Predictable Environment: Creating a classroom routine that provides structure and predictability can help reduce anxiety for students with trauma histories.
2. Building Trust: Developing strong teacher-student relationships can foster a sense of safety and belonging, which is essential for learning. - Adapting Instructional Strategies: Using a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and group discussions, can accommodate different learning styles and needs.
- Providing Emotional Support: Offering emotional support through one-on-one check-ins, peer support groups, and access to counseling services can help students manage the emotional challenges of learning a new language.
Conclusion
The integration of trauma-informed and needs-informed methods in ESL instruction holds great promise for creating supportive and effective learning environments. Future research could explore the long-term effects of these approaches on student outcomes and the development of best practices for implementation in diverse educational settings.
Citations
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, "Trauma-Informed Approach and Trauma-Specific Interventions," accessed October 2023, https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence.
- Gay, Geneva. "Preparing for Culturally Responsive Teaching." Journal of Teacher Education 53, no. 2 (2002): 106-116.
- Lucas, Tamara, and Anne Villegas. "Diversifying the Teaching Force: An Examination of Major Arguments." Review of Educational Research 72, no. 3 (2002): 315-345.
- Hammond, Zaretta. "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students." Corwin Press, 2014.
Join us today
Sign up to know more about our program today. To help others in improving their literacy skills.