How to Help Struggling Readers Gain 1 Year of Literacy Fast

Are you looking for a fun, stress-free way to help your child improve their reading skills? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, we explore how the power of music and singing can transform literacy for struggling readers and build lasting confidence.

Host Jae sits down with Carlo Franzblau, the developer of Tune Into Reading, and consultant Maya Fombelle to discuss a unique approach to education. What started as a software to help people carry a tune evolved into a research-backed literacy program that has helped thousands of students make dramatic gains. We discuss the science behind why singing works for the brain, how repetitive reading builds fluency, and the deep connection between reading struggles and student behavior.

Maya shares her heartwarming experiences as a school counselor seeing kids move from shame to pride as they master new words. Carlo explains the structure of the program, which includes vocabulary building, pitch tracking, and comprehension quizzes. You will also learn about the extensive research from the University of South Florida that proves students can gain a full grade level in reading in just 12 weeks. If you have been searching for a way to make learning to read feel less like a chore and more like a celebration, this episode is for you.

https://www.tuneintoreading.com/

Maya Fombelle is a consultant with Tune into Reading. She has spent her life working withat-risk children in a variety of capacities. She practiced law for 35 years, beginning as aProsecutor in Macon County, Illinois. She developed an interest in a Public Defender positionserving as Guardian Ad Litem for children who were removed from their homes due to abuseand neglect. During her tenure as a PD, she was also assigned as counsel for juveniledefendants and patients facing involuntary mental health commitment. When she and herhusband (Greg) started their family, she took a hiatus from practicing law until their childrenbegan kindergarten. When she returned to work, she and her husband started their own lawfirm. Maya focused on defending youthful offenders during her time at the firm. As a trialattorney for many years assisting children after they had been arrested, Maya decided that shewanted to change careers and be a part of improving the trajectory for at-risk students. Shereturned to graduate school, earning an MS with dual licensure in Clinical and SchoolCounseling. She began her school counseling career in a Catholic High School, where sheworked 4 years until a position opened in a Title I high needs school. Maya worked in a largepublic school district for 3 and a half years until retiring to Florida. During her time at a lowperforming school, (bottom 2% in ELA) Maya began researching ways to help students recovertheir grade level reading skills. She discovered Tune into Reading and the rest is history!

Chapters0:00 Intro and meet the guests3:15 The 25 year journey of Tune Into Reading7:45 How singing helps with visual feedback and pitch11:20 The benefits of repetitive reading through music15:10 Breaking down the four parts of a song lesson19:35 Addressing student shame and behavior through literacy24:15 Improving reading confidence in elementary students28:50 Dealing with the national literacy crisis33:10 Research and peer reviewed results from USF37:45 Accessing the program through Step Up for Students42:20 The importance of self care for parents and teachers47:10 Final advice for parents of struggling readers50:30 Conclusion

Visit the Tune Into Reading website to learn more about their 12 week guarantee and the 4 week trial program. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more resources to support your homeschooling journey and share this video with a fellow parent!

#homeschooling #literacy #readingtips #educationalmusic #tuneintoreading