Reading
The primary division has been working together to establish groups based on specific assessment data (PM Benchmarks). We have formed reading groups of students who have similar reading processes and can read about the same level of text. We meet for the first 50 minutes of each day, which is half of our literacy block. Within our groups, we work with students to help develop and use effective reading strategies appropriate to their level of development through Working with Words, Shared and Guided Reading activities. Evaluation is based on teacher observation and regular individual assessment. The established groups will ensure that individual students are reading appropriate levels of text. The teachers involved in the Reading Success program are:
Mrs. Phillips, Ms. Schneider, Mrs.Behnke (Mrs. DeLange), Mrs. Halloway(Mrs. Penley) and Mr. Woelk
English homework:
A regular reading routine for and with your child continues to be one of the greatest encouragements to a child's reading progress that you can provide. We are going through the process of how to find "Just Right" books for your child's reading level. It follows these key questions:
1) Look at the front and back of the book, does it seem interesting. Is this book something that I know a lot about? What topics do I want to learn about?
2) Look through the pages at the words. Is the size of print what I am used to ? Is there the right number of words on each page for me to read this book successfully? Are there lots of words that I know? I don't want this to be so challenging or so easy that I don't learn anything.
3) Try reading a page. I put up one finger for every word that I have trouble reading or understanding. If I have more than three fingers up by the end of the page, I think I will try another book.
**********Note: When they read to you they should be enjoying books at their reading level. When you read to them you should be using more challenging books. (If you're not sure of your child's reading level come talk to me)**************************************
You can encourage them to respond to the books by asking them questions:
eg. How would the story change if you added or removed a character ? What do you think will happen next? Do You think the main character eats peanut butter sandwiches? Why? etc.
(See the Q chart (press the pdf file on the website) for some question starters to help your child expand their connections to, and make meaning of the story)
Writing
-our first form of writing that we are engaging in is Procedural (brainstorming, organizing and writing down the steps used to instruct and express a task)
-at home you can reinforce this by helping your child identify key words and formatting that makes a piece of writing procedural.
eg. numbered steps, or words such as first, secondly, lastly in a recipe.
You can ask them to tell you the procedure for something they know how to do well.
eg. Tell me the steps used in tying your shoes?
Netbooks
-our netbooks (mini laptops) have many programs which we will be accessing throughout the year to supplement and enhance the various forms and processes of writing
eg. Smart Ideas for mind mapping and organizing ideas.
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