Wild Reading

Wild Reading is a dynamic, nature-based reading program created by Monica Bosworth, a dedicated educator with a deep passion for integrating outdoor learning with early literacy skills. The program was developed to address a gap in conventional reading curriculums which often lack engagement and real-world connections. Monica, with her background in elementary education and environmental science, designed Wild Reading to make reading instruction both fun and effective through story-driven, multisensory activities. This unique approach has garnered attention and praise, reflecting its growing popularity among homeschooling families.

Differentiation: What Makes Wild Reading Special

Wild Reading stands out for its innovative integration of nature and story-based learning with foundational reading skills. Unlike traditional curriculums that may rely heavily on repetitive drills, Wild Reading uses the adventures of characters like Matilda the Mouse to teach letter sounds, phonemic awareness, and other key literacy skills. This curriculum blends methodologies from Montessori, Waldorf, and traditional phonics, providing a rich, engaging experience that promotes a love for reading while solidifying essential skills.

How to Get Started

To begin using Wild Reading, parents can purchase the curriculum directly from the Wild Learning website. The program is available in digital format, with over 380 pages of resources that can be printed for personal use. The curriculum is structured into weekly lessons that include detailed daily checklists and supply lists to keep the learning process organized and straightforward.

How It Works

Wild Reading is designed as an "open and go" curriculum, requiring minimal preparation from parents. Each week introduces a new letter and corresponding sounds through engaging stories and activities. Recommended daily sessions of about 30 minutes incorporate phonics, sight words, independent reading, and comprehension discussions. The activities are flexible, allowing for both indoor and outdoor learning, making it adaptable to various home environments.

Educational Concepts Taught

• Phonological awareness

• Phonics and decoding

• Sight words integration

• Writing and spelling

• Comprehension skills

• Vocabulary development

• Multisensory learning activities

Alignment with the Science of Reading

Wild Reading is closely aligned with the science of reading, emphasizing phonics and phonological awareness as core components. The curriculum methodically introduces sight words and utilizes decodable texts to reinforce the connection between sounds and letters, supporting the development of fluent reading skills.

Approach to Sight Words

The program introduces sight words incrementally, related to the phonics concepts being taught. It employs a balanced approach where sight words are integrated into the context of the story and activities, helping children understand their usage and meaning naturally.

What’s Good About It

Users often praise Wild Reading for its engaging content and flexibility in teaching style. The inclusion of nature-based themes and outdoor activities is highly appreciated, as it allows children to connect reading skills with their immediate environment. The story-based approach not only keeps children interested but also significantly enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.

What Could Be Improved

While Wild Reading has many strengths, some parents note the digital-only format could be limiting for those preferring physical books. Additionally, the requirement for occasional printing might be a drawback for families without easy access to printing resources. More support in integrating advanced phonics skills could enhance the program for older or more advanced readers.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend fully utilizing the outdoor components of the program to maximize engagement. Regularly discussing the story’s vocabulary and themes enhances comprehension and retention. They also suggest supplementing the curriculum with the recommended read-aloud books to enrich the learning experience.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

Wild Reading is ideal for children who are just beginning to read, particularly those who thrive with hands-on and nature-based learning activities. It suits families looking for a creative, flexible approach to reading that goes beyond traditional worksheets and drills.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

This program may not be suitable for families looking for a more traditional or structured curriculum without the outdoor and story-based elements. It might also be less appealing to parents who prefer a curriculum that requires less preparation and no printing.

Grades

Wild Reading is suitable for children aged 5 to 7 years old, typically in kindergarten through second grade.

Cost

The curriculum is priced at $79 per level, offering comprehensive resources and activities.

Ways to Get It

Wild Reading can be purchased directly from the Wild Learning website, where both levels of the curriculum are available for download. The program is entirely digital, allowing families immediate access to the materials upon purchase.

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