Hello everyone!
My name is Jenna Ardelean and I am the reading specialist at the elementary school. This is my 2nd year at HBRES and my 18th year teaching!
I currently live in Somonauk with my husband, Bryan and our two children, Boden (3) and Quincy (6 months). My husband and I grew up in Yorkville when it was still a small town and we wanted the same environment for our children. We decided to head west and have now lived in Somonauk for 5 years and love the small town life! I came to HBR looking for the same thing and have greatly enjoyed my time here so far!
Just to let you know a little bit about my background, I attended Illinois State for my undergraduate degree in special education and received my master’s degree in Literacy from Benedictine. I have also completed my English Language Learners endorsement at the University of St. Francis. Throughout the past 18 years, I have spent time in Plainfield and Yorkville as both a special education teacher as well as being a reading specialist. Reading is my passion, and I love helping children learn to read!
This week throughout the district, we have been celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss with spirit days and fun facts about Dr. Seuss. Did you know that Dr. Seuss wasn’t a real doctor? He just added the title to his name to make his dad happy and have his writing taken more seriously. Later, the college he attended, Dartmouth, awarded him an honorary doctorate degree, making him an actual doctor. This is just one of the facts shared this week at HBRES. Be sure to ask your child what other facts about Dr. Seuss they learned this week!
The number one question I am asked as a reading specialist is “What can I do at home to help my child become a better reader?” The number one answer I always give is to read, read, read!! Whether you read to your child or they read to you, practicing and listening to fluent reading is the best way to help your child improve their reading! According to Dr. Brad Johnson, educational leader and author, “Education success begins at home: reading to a child 3 times per week significantly increases the likelihood of academic success by 4th grade and beyond. By fostering strong literacy skills, critical thinking abilities and a love for learning, children who are read to regularly are better equipped to excel in all subjects, setting the stage for a bright future.” This week I encourage everyone to turn off all electronics and spend some extra time reading with your child!
Written By: Jenna Ardelean, Reading Specialist at HBR Elementary