In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education released an alarming report stating that only 35% of students entering 4th grade were reading at or above grade level. Fast forward to the most recent data (2019) released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and this percentage remains the same.
This means that 65% of elementary students are reading below grade level by the time they begin 4th grade and that we, as a nation, have made no progress in improving this percentage for our 4th grade scholars. Couple this data with the COVID-19 pandemic which left many children (and parents) on their own to “figure out” how to navigate through all the challenges and hiccups of virtual learning one must ask, “Who is out there seeking solutions to support our children?”
Meet CEO/Founder/Teacher: Chandra Roughton
Meet Chandra (Ms. Chandra), a master educator with an extensive career in education. Chandra is well known for always putting her students first and never being afraid to speak up (or speak out) for what is best for kids.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandra constructed an entire in-home classroom recording studio and created a website that serves as a virtual learning platform to support children in developing critical early literacy skills. At Luminous Minds (LMI), parents and educators can access a variety of instructional videos, worksheets, activities, games, and resources all with a focus on teaching young children how to read.
This isn’t your typical virtual learning platform. All of Ms. Chandra’s instructional videos not only contain high academic rigor; they promote a growth mindset, use brain-based research on how children learn, include multi-sensory learning to reach all types of learners, AND prove just how FUN learning can be.
The worksheets and activities found in the Shop are high-quality, aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and incorporate the five key elements of the Science of Reading. The website provides a one-stop shop for parents looking to do more with their children at home, or for educators to quickly access high-quality materials that they can use immediately in their classroom.
To learn more about this incredible story and evolution of Luminous Minds, you can head to the Luminous Minds YouTube Channel and check out their documentary. While you’re there, don’t forget to watch some of the engaging video clips, cheers, and Sight Word Songs!
Subscribe Today
The LMI team strongly believes in closing achievement gaps, now ever so widened by the COVID-19. They’ve made their monthly membership affordable so that all families (and scholars!) can access their learning materials. For as little as $14.99 a month, you and your family get complete, unlimited access to EVERYTHING on the website. There is also a handful of freebies for you to assess the quality of their materials. The best part? New materials are uploaded every month. It’s almost like having a Netflix account for literacy materials!
Giveaway
To celebrate this innovative virtual learning platform, we’re giving away 5 free one-month memberships. With your membership you will have unlimited access to all instructional videos, worksheets, activities, and more!
Choose one or more ways to enter:
- Sign up for email notifications at ChildLifeMommy.com and (leave a comment below when done).
- YouTube: Subscribe to the Luminous Minds YouTube Channel
- Facebook: Follow and like Child Life Mommy and tag two friends.
- Facebook: Follow and like Luminous Minds and tag two friends.
- Instagram: Follow @ChildLifeMommy and @Luminousmindsoffical and tag two friends in the post.
References: U.S. Department of Education, “The Nation’s Report Card,” 2013
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “The Condition of Education.” 2020
