Introduction

Teaching students academic areas of achievement such as reading fluency and comprehension as well as writing can be a challenging task, particularly when the cause of the difficulty lies in cognitive processing weaknesses. Effective schooling depends on multiple processes working simultaneously, and when one falters or does not work to a degree of automaticity, learning becomes labor intensive. Rapid automatic or automated naming (RAN) is one of these foundational or developmental cognitive skills. In fact, when RAN is an area of weakness, it can become a common trip wire that snags student success. RAN is a common deficit for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Luckily, research now suggests that RAN can be improved, that it affects academic achievement, and that it is one of the best predictors of reading fluency. 

What is Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)? 

Have you ever had trouble remembering the name of something? Perhaps it was an animal you know well, but you just can't recall it. The ability to quickly recall information in one's head is RAN. For example, it's the ability to access from memory the name of an item, place, or even a girls name. RAN involves multiple cognitive processing areas used in symphony as it involves visual tracking, working memory, processing speed, sound symbol association, and automatic word retrieval. It is fast access from long-term memory to consciousness, the information that we need in the moment. In addition, it involves subconscious memory skills that match or pair images with words, keeps thinking fluid, and helps with concentration and focus. RAN also establishes easy-to-access neural pathways that assist with memories of objects, characters, themes, stories, images, sentences, and core academics such as the alphabet, symbols, and numbers.

What is Processing Speed?

Processing speed refers to the time it takes for one to respond to and/or process information in the environment. Processing speed is an important skill since it allows students to think and learn with greater efficiency.

What is Tracking?

Tracking is the ability to move one's eyes smoothly across the page and from one line of text to another. This publication is arranged with rows of items in a set order so that players can also exercise this needed skill for reading text and documents.

How Can This Publication Help? 

For those that struggle with rapid naming, visual processing and perception, processing speed, word finding difficulties, visual attention, sound-symbol association, and tracking, these online resources serve as memory games that can help to strengthen abilities through fun and entertaining activities. This cognitive tool can be used with an individual child or pairs of toddlers, preschoolers, or older kids that are motivated by competition. They can even be used with adults.  Each resource page offers a list of pictures that is much like a memory game or matching game.

Who Can Use This Resource?

This resource can be used by:

• Learning specialists
• Educational therapists
• Speech and language pathologists
• Teachers
• Practitioners
• Homeschoolers/parents

What is the Best Way to Use These Resources? 

You can use the range of resources with learners in online and in-person sessions. Be sure to introduce each activity as a game, so students "play" as they work their way through each picture. In addition, you can track player progress with the downloadable Growth Tracker found in Module 2.

The Benefits of This Resource Library:

• Access all the lists of images in one easy, accessible location. 
• Keep track of student progress with the downloadable resources found in Module 2.
• Reduce the cost and clutter of printing and storing materials. You don't have the burden of handouts, flash cards, or toys.
• Minimize preparation time as all the materials are here and ready to go.