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August 2025
469.817.9809 ReadingRanch.com
Pre-k - 6th Grade
Literacy & Tutorial Centers
Every Child Can Succeed You Just Need the Right Map
to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Our assessment doesn’t end there; we use the information collected to create a learning plan designed specifically for your child. Our assessment plans involve gathering multiple sources of data (e.g., work samples, grades, developmental history, parent/teacher information, student interview, and test results) about your child. It helps us get a clear picture of your child’s learning profile. When you know where your child is strong, you can build on those strengths by implementing the activities we provide. If your child is struggling, you can identify those areas and engage in recommended activities to improve learning. Ultimately, educators should use assessment results to drive instruction and maximize your child’s learning.
When performing above expected, it is important to provide enrichment activities to challenge your child further and decrease the chances of becoming bored. An assessment will provide necessary information to help you understand your child’s unique strengths. We use the results to create a unique learning plan to challenge learning. Provide early identification of your child’s struggles. The last thing you want to do is watch your child struggle academically and wait long periods of time to get the help they need. Research shows that the earlier a child’s struggle is identified and they receive help, the greater the chance of future success. Identifying your child’s areas of struggle early will allow for early intervention and decrease the probability of your child becoming frustrated with school.
Over the years, I have had many conversations with parents regarding their child’s academic performance. As a parent and grandparent, I understand those interests and concerns. We all want to ensure we are doing all we can for our children to succeed. Most of the questions I have received from parents fall into one of the following:
How do I know if my child is academically on target?
My child is performing above expectations. How can I make sure he stays academically challenged? My child is struggling. How do I figure out what’s causing the struggle and get her the support needed to succeed? A carefully designed assessment plan conducted by a trained professional can provide valuable insights into your child’s academic performance and potential. Assessments have been around for a long time, and they are a valuable resource when designing an effective learning plan that meets your child’s personalized needs. However, not all assessment plans are created equal, and all too often, testing is used to simply label children. Our approach is different. Although we offer assessments to determine eligibility for special education services, we also provide comprehensive assessments
TOP 3 BENEFITS OF ASSESSMENTS
When your child is experiencing a significant struggle, they might
Ensure your child is performing on target. You want to ensure your child is
qualify for specialized instruction. To determine whether your child meets eligibility requirements for specialized instruction (e.g., gifted, dyslexia, or special education), a comprehensive assessment is legally required. You can share your child’s assessment results with school personnel to consider when planning instruction for your child. To learn more about our assessment services, please visit our website at ReadingRanch.com/diagnostic- assessment . Our initial consultations are free of charge, and we can help you determine your assessment needs and help guide your decision. —Tammy L. Stephens
performing on target, and when they are not, you want to understand how to help. Given the fatigue associated with COVID-19 (e.g., school closures, virtual learning, social distancing requirements, use of masks, and other everyday stressors), you may be concerned about the impact the past two years have had on your child’s learning. Our Academic Check-Up assessment can determine if your child is performing adequately for their age. If not, those areas of concern can be identified and remediated. Highlight areas where your child excels. A comprehensive assessment can provide information about your child’s cognitive and academic strengths.
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Why Systematic Phonics Instruction Matters The Key to Unlocking Literacy
If you’re teaching your children how to read, you’ve likely come across terms like “systematic phonics instruction” or “structured literacy.” But what does it really mean — and why is it such a game-changer in the world of reading? The truth is simple yet powerful: Reading is not something children naturally absorb. While speaking comes instinctively to most, reading and writing require deliberate, research-based teaching. That’s where systematic phonics instruction makes all the difference.
studies show that students who receive structured phonics instruction perform better in:
• •
Word recognition
• •
Spelling
Fluency
Comprehension
For struggling readers, it can mean the difference between lifelong difficulty and reading success.
IT LEVELS THE EDUCATIONAL PLAYING FIELD. Not every child starts school with the same language background or access to books. Some may have heard thousands of bedtime stories; others may not even know the alphabet. Systematic phonics ensures every student gets what they need to succeed, regardless of zip code, learning style, or home environment.
Let’s break down why this approach is not just beneficial but essential.
SYSTEMATIC PHONICS BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN LETTERS AND SOUNDS. Phonics is about connecting the sounds we hear (phonemes) with the letters we see (graphemes). Without this connection, students may rely on memorizing whole words or pictures, strategies that eventually fall apart as reading gets more complex. Systematic instruction introduces these relationships clearly, step-by- step. It gives students the tools to decode new words independently, building both confidence and competence. IT TAKES THE MYSTERY OUT OF READING. “Systematic” means we leave nothing to chance. Rather than waiting for students to “discover” how language works, teachers:
It gives all children the tools to read, rather than expecting them to figure it out on their own.
DECODING ENABLES COMPREHENSION Ultimately, reading is about making meaning. But here’s the catch: You can’t comprehend a story if you can’t read the words. Systematic phonics instruction equips students with the automatic decoding skills they need so their brains can shift focus from
figuring out sounds to understanding ideas.
• Clearly explain each sound-letter match • Use repetition and practice for reinforcement • Provide text designed for targeted skill practice • Offer immediate feedback and corrections
In short, decoding is not the end; it’s the doorway to true reading.
This leaves no room for confusion. Every child benefits from this clarity, especially those with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
Systematic phonics instruction isn’t just helpful — it’s foundational. And to be most effective, it must be:
STRUCTURE BUILDS MASTERY, NOT JUST EXPOSURE. A well-designed phonics program follows a logical, cumulative order. It doesn’t jump around or assume prior knowledge. Typically, students start with: • Basic consonant and short vowel sounds • Then move to blends, digraphs, long vowels, and diphthongs • Then tackle syllable types, spelling rules, and multisyllabic decoding
• •
Explicit
• •
Sequential
Cumulative
Research-based
When we teach phonics this way, we give children more than reading skills. We give them confidence, access to knowledge, and a lifelong love of learning. At The Reading Ranch, we understand how valuable systematic phonics instruction is on a child’s literacy journey. We keep it fun so they continue to feel motivated and excited about words. If you want to help your little learner develop their reading abilities, contact us at The Reading Ranch or visit our website at ReadingRanch.com to learn more.
Each layer reinforces the last. Like building a sturdy house, you need a strong foundation before adding the roof.
RESEARCH AND BRAIN SCIENCE BACK IT UP. The Science of Reading — a vast body of interdisciplinary research — tells us one thing loud and clear: Systematic, explicit phonics is vital. From the National Reading Panel to modern cognitive neuroscience,
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469.817.9809
Food companies have tried every trick in the book to get your attention, but few can beat the simple charm of a giant snack rolling down the street. It all started early in the 20th century when people dressed up cars with quirky decorations to drum up business. The most famous example came in 1936, when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile hit the road and turned heads everywhere it went. The tradition is still alive today, and the newest edition is as nutty as they come. Blue Diamond’s Nutty Cruiser is a 20-foot-long almond on wheels, designed to spread the love for almonds across America. It even has an almond cannon that will shoot small bags of almonds on tiny parachutes, just in case the giant almond wasn’t enough to grab your attention. Inside, it has room for 10,000 snack packs, making it one of the tastiest vehicles on the highway. The Nutty Cruiser tours state fairs, sporting events, and festivals and draws a crowd wherever it goes. Drivers say it handles surprisingly well, thanks to its smooth, aerodynamic design — though they still get pulled over by curious police officers who just want a closer look. From hot dogs to nuts, food-shaped vehicles have a strange way of sticking around. Maybe it’s because they’re fun, a little bit ridiculous, and impossible to ignore. In a world full of billboards and pop-up ads, there’s still something special about spotting a giant almond cruising down the highway. Food on Wheels The Nutty Cruiser Rolls Out Are you ready to help your little learner grow a love of reading and writing? Visit ReadingRanch.com to learn more about how we make reading fun!
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 loaf French bread • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • Fresh ground pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox Mustard Peridot Poppy Sisters Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini Take a Break DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
6991 Pecan St, Suite 200, Frisco, TX 75034
469.817.9809
Pre-k - 6th Grade
Literacy & Tutorial Centers
ReadingRanch.com
Inside 1
The Benefits of Having Your Child Assessed
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The Science-Backed Way to Teach Reading
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The Nuttiest Car in America Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza The Homework Game- Changer Hiding in Your Home
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No Room for Distraction
Why Every Kid Needs a Homework Haven
While some kids love school and eagerly start their homework when they get home, others dread everything about it. They might not enjoy what they’re learning or have a difficult time sitting down to study. You could try countless strategies, such as hiring a tutor or offering rewards, but the solution might be simpler than that. If you don’t have a dedicated homework area in your home, now is the time to create one. Start by determining the best location in your home. Ideally, choose a location without distractions, such as a bedroom or office. However, if your child does not work well without supervision, put them in a central location. If you don’t have the space in your home to set up a dedicated homework area, you can create a homework basket or cart to break out whenever it’s time to do schoolwork.
You also need to gather supplies and set them up for success. Consider the assignments your child will need to complete during the school year and provide them with the necessities for each assignment. Younger children will likely need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue, while older kids should have access to pencils, erasers, a calculator, and a dictionary.
All that’s left is organizing everything they’ll need. Separate everything into bins, cubbies, or baskets by their subject. You could apply labels to each bin to ensure everything stays organized. This will help your child focus only on the task at hand. Once you establish the space, you must set ground rules to ensure your child does their homework. Restricting the use of phones or tablets is a must in today’s day and age. They may say they need it for their studies, but it will distract them. If possible, set specific times your child should be at the desk doing schoolwork. Even if they don’t have homework that day, they can still benefit from studying. While it might not fix every school woe, creating a dedicated homework area for your child could help them foster a love of learning!
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