How? I have no idea, but the skill has served me well for many years! What I do remember is in first grade at P.S. #34 in Jersey City, N.J., we had "team teachers" — one would call a student to the desk up front while the other teacher continued with the class. At that desk, I learned to not use a finger under each word, but to look at the whole word … and then the whole sentence as I read. Yes, that was first grade. It didn't work for everyone, but it worked for me. I have often said a prayer of thanks for those teachers. Louise Anderson, Lakeville