One focus at the beginning of the year is finding and reading “just right “ books. These are books that students are interested in reading independently with still a little challenge. Students need to be able to read most of the words, have a good understanding of what they are reading, and able to completely read the book in a reasonable amount of time. We visit the LMC weekly for the purpose of finding just right books. Each month, there is a different focus and a project to complete as part of daily independent reading.
I suggest that students read a minimum of 20 minutes nightly and often this may be the only reading and writing homework I assign. As often as possible, listen to your child read and retell the story to you. Establish reading and sharing about books as part of your child’s daily routine. The more your child reads, the better chance your child has to become a successful reader.
This month we focus on reading fiction books. Students will be discussing, writing and completing projects on fiction books. This month, students will be completing brochures on their books to demonstrate their reading comprehension and advertise the book to others. When completed, some of these brochures will be on display in the LMC.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Welcome Back
I would like to welcome students back to school. I am eager to start the new school year and there are many exciting things to look forward to in the upcoming year. As we start the school year, students will make adjustments in learning new names, procedures, and routines. We will spend the first weeks together reviewing procedures and getting to know each other.
Reading and Writing Instruction
This year, your child’s reading, writing, and spelling instruction utilize a variety of resources and techniques. My instruction uses technology and print to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below proficient level. The daily 90-minute instruction, directly address individual needs through high-interest literature, instructional software, and direct whole group and small group instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills.
Our first homework assignment was a "thinking" assignment. Students needed to think of a favorite book they read in the last year and be prepared to share with the class one reason it was their favorite. Some of the favorite books that were shared were books about mythology, legends, Titanic, building things, as well as some fiction books such as the Ricky Ricotta and His Mighty Robot series, the Nate the Great series, the Goosebumps series and Shiloh. I was so impressed by students’ enthusiasm for books and the amount of details some shared about these books!!
As a follow up to this assignment, students are asked to interview their parents or another adult about a favorite book they had as a child. Students also are encouraged to show parents this blog site and post the interview information on favorite books. I am so excited to read their postings!!
Math Instruction
This year your child’s math instruction uses much of the Math Expressions materials by Houghton Mifflin. I will be sending home occasional newsletters detailing our units of study. Follow the link to the right on this page for more information on Math Expressions, parent resources, as well as games for students to practice their math skills.
Reading and Writing Instruction
This year, your child’s reading, writing, and spelling instruction utilize a variety of resources and techniques. My instruction uses technology and print to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below proficient level. The daily 90-minute instruction, directly address individual needs through high-interest literature, instructional software, and direct whole group and small group instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills.
Our first homework assignment was a "thinking" assignment. Students needed to think of a favorite book they read in the last year and be prepared to share with the class one reason it was their favorite. Some of the favorite books that were shared were books about mythology, legends, Titanic, building things, as well as some fiction books such as the Ricky Ricotta and His Mighty Robot series, the Nate the Great series, the Goosebumps series and Shiloh. I was so impressed by students’ enthusiasm for books and the amount of details some shared about these books!!
As a follow up to this assignment, students are asked to interview their parents or another adult about a favorite book they had as a child. Students also are encouraged to show parents this blog site and post the interview information on favorite books. I am so excited to read their postings!!
Math Instruction
This year your child’s math instruction uses much of the Math Expressions materials by Houghton Mifflin. I will be sending home occasional newsletters detailing our units of study. Follow the link to the right on this page for more information on Math Expressions, parent resources, as well as games for students to practice their math skills.
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