A school in Baltimore County is hosting an event showing a documentary film to raise awareness of what it calls "The Reading Wars."According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15-20% of people have dyslexia, which can make learning to read more challenging.So, the Jemicy School in Owings Mills, which specializes in teaching students with dyslexia and other learning-based differences, is holding an event during Dyslexia Awareness Month in October.In any given classroom at the Jemicy School, students are on their feet as they learn to read. "Here at Jemicy, we use hands-on activities, multisensory approaches and experiential learning to really make that educational experience a full body experience," Michael Robinson II, the head of Jemicy's lower and middle schools, said.The experience is not just for fun. It's a research-based way to teach kids how to read in a way that best suits their needs."We truly believe that the 'Science of Reading' is the best way for all students to learn how to read and achieve literacy skills," Robinson told 11 News.The "Science of Reading" is an evidence-based instructional approach that emphasizes the importance of phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension in helping children develop strong literacy skills.While the Maryland State Department of Education started requiring schools use the "Science of Reading" standards starting this school year, it's something the Jemicy School has taught for more than 50 years.It's an approach that inspired award-winning documentary filmmaker Harvey Hubbell V to make a documentary called "Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars.""The 'reading wars' is the difference between a belief system in teaching people to read and science in teaching people to read," Hubbell told 11 News. "We are all unique in how we think. There are certain ways that we all learn."Hubbell, a dyslexic learner himself, said he wants to keep other kids from facing the same challenges he did while learning to read. In his film, he talks to scientists, educators and parents to show research that points to ways to close the literacy gap in America and win the reading wars."It's not anyone's belief, it's science," Hubbell told 11 News. "We can teach kids how to read, all of them."The Jemicy School will host an event on Tuesday called "Winning the Reading Wars" to show Hubbell's documentary and start a conversation about how to ensure every student can read and succeed."Our hope is that the audience walks away with a renewed vigor and passion and understanding for this literacy gap that is in this country, so, really, making sure we move all students to levels of proficiency and beyond when it comes to literacy skills," Robinson told 11 News.The free, public documentary showing starts at 7 p.m. at the Jemicy School's upper school campus. Tap here to reserve tickets.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. —
A school in Baltimore County is hosting an event showing a documentary film to raise awareness of what it calls "The Reading Wars."
According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15-20% of people have dyslexia, which can make learning to read more challenging.
Advertisement
So, the Jemicy School in Owings Mills, which specializes in teaching students with dyslexia and other learning-based differences, is holding an event during Dyslexia Awareness Month in October.
In any given classroom at the Jemicy School, students are on their feet as they learn to read.
"Here at Jemicy, we use hands-on activities, multisensory approaches and experiential learning to really make that educational experience a full body experience," Michael Robinson II, the head of Jemicy's lower and middle schools, said.
The experience is not just for fun. It's a research-based way to teach kids how to read in a way that best suits their needs.
"We truly believe that the 'Science of Reading' is the best way for all students to learn how to read and achieve literacy skills," Robinson told 11 News.
The "Science of Reading" is an evidence-based instructional approach that emphasizes the importance of phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension in helping children develop strong literacy skills.
While the Maryland State Department of Education started requiring schools use the "Science of Reading" standards starting this school year, it's something the Jemicy School has taught for more than 50 years.
It's an approach that inspired award-winning documentary filmmaker Harvey Hubbell V to make a documentary called "Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars."
"The 'reading wars' is the difference between a belief system in teaching people to read and science in teaching people to read," Hubbell told 11 News. "We are all unique in how we think. There are certain ways that we all learn."
Hubbell, a dyslexic learner himself, said he wants to keep other kids from facing the same challenges he did while learning to read. In his film, he talks to scientists, educators and parents to show research that points to ways to close the literacy gap in America and win the reading wars.
"It's not anyone's belief, it's science," Hubbell told 11 News. "We can teach kids how to read, all of them."
The Jemicy School will host an event on Tuesday called "Winning the Reading Wars" to show Hubbell's documentary and start a conversation about how to ensure every student can read and succeed.
"Our hope is that the audience walks away with a renewed vigor and passion and understanding for this literacy gap that is in this country, so, really, making sure we move all students to levels of proficiency and beyond when it comes to literacy skills," Robinson told 11 News.
The free, public documentary showing starts at 7 p.m. at the Jemicy School's upper school campus. Tap here to reserve tickets.
Get WBAL-TV 11 News on the go
