Hello My Name Is...
Tonya Byrd
Hello! Thanks for stopping by!
Let me introduce myself! I have been in the teaching profession for 30 years! I am also a military spouse of 30 years, and this has had a huge impact on my teaching career. I feel that each military move made me a stronger teacher as I learned from various educational leaders throughout our country and collaborated with teachers of diverse backgrounds. I often reflect on the skills I’ve gained over the years. I’ve become a better communicator, a more organized teacher, an adaptive educator, and a lifelong learner. All of these attributes have culminated into making me the Teacher Leadership Specialist I am today.
So, what does a Teacher Leadership Specialist do? Well, I feel I have the very best of both worlds because I get to work with students, parents, and teachers to support student learning. Let's take a look at a few things we can do to grow your child as a reader...
First off, did you know reading aloud is one of the best reading activities you can do to help your child be a successful reader? When you read to your child, you are modeling fluency; developing their vocabulary; and if you talk about the book after you finish, you are helping them to comprehend what they read! If you have a kindergarten through second grade student, these pre-reading skills are crucial for becoming a fluent reader.
But wait, studies show that reading aloud to older children can also improve their reading skills. You can read a book together, each reading a page or chapter, to help strengthen their accuracy, fluency, and comprehension!
Looking back over my educational career, I feel like the many jobs I’ve held for the past 30 years have led me to be the best I can be as the Teacher Leadership Specialist at Viewmont Elementary School. I can honestly say that I love my job and there is no place in this world I’d rather work!
Below are a few links you may find helpful in working with your child to increase their reading ability.
Dolch Word List
Fry's Fluency Phrases
Reading Rockets - Launching Young Readers
Lastly, did you know Viewmont has purchased several online tools to help your child become a better reader at home? See your child's teacher to find out more about these great resources!
Sincerely,
Tonya Byrd
Teacher Leadership Specialist
[email protected]
(828)324-7049 EXT 141