Student Spotlight: Harmon

     Harmon is a recent graduate from the YokyWorks program, and we couldn’t be more excited about all he has accomplished!  In one year, he has grown into a confident and successful reader through early intervention instruction with YokyWorks. 

     Last spring, Harmon's parents were concerned about reading. Harmon was identified as at risk for reading difficulties at the end of kindergarten. He began meeting with his YokyWorks Education Specialist, Kayla Davis, multiple times a week for intensive reading intervention. Harmon met for lessons in his own home using a virtual YokyWorks platform. This year, spring of 1st grade, Harmon is reading with fluency and accuracy! 

    During his sessions, Harmon worked hard and enjoyed learning.  Harmon enjoyed learning about vowel teams, as well as all the different spelling rules. But when asked what he thought was most important, he said that if he were a reading teacher, "the most important thing for kids to learn would be sounds in the alphabet and the letters that represent them."  We agree with Harmon; this is VERY important for all kids to learn! He also enjoyed activities and games that created opportunities for him to practice and show what he knew. He was a champ at YokyWorks Tic Tac Toe!

      Early intervention has changed Harmon's reading journey from “at risk” to skilled. He is more than ready for grade 2 reading. Harmon’s mom has shared: "Without the successes he’s made .. we would be in a completely different place.”  YokyWorks has “truly changed our lives”.  Harmon is now a confident and capable reader. He recommends checking out the books in the Hilo series by Judd Winick.  He enjoys reading these books as well as other graphic novels. Outside of school, Harmon enjoys climbing trees, playing with Legos, and playing Minecraft!

Congratulations Harmon!   We look forward to hearing about your accomplishments to come!