Thank you to all families who were able to bring their child(ren) to Reading Night. It was great to see all of you again--or meet you for the first time in some cases! I appreciate the support you have for you child's learning. Although they may not realize it yet, they appreciate your support as well. Education opens doors and is the master key to success! If you were not able to attend Reading Night, it was a whirlwind for you (at least it was for me!). Here are some ways we incorporate reading into our learning:
1) Accelerated Reader (AR)--the yearly goal for fifth grade is 63 points (minimum!). Your child should always have a grade appropriate chapter book and a nonfiction book. You have received or will receive login information to review the books your child has tested on.
2) English Language Arts Units from the AEA--this is our first year implementing these units. There are six units based on a variety of literacy skills in accordance with the Iowa Core. We are currently studying text structures (compare/contrast, chronology, problem/solution, cause/effect, description), and I plan to test the students by next Friday, 9/26.
3) Reading Buddies with first grade. We meet with a first grade class every Wednesday from 9:20-9:40. We read to them and they read to us! It's a great opportunity to be a positive role model and meet someone new.
4) Teacher Read Aloud--I am currently reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. If you haven't read it, run to the library, and check it out now! The students have been hooked by it, so have your child give you a summary (P.S. we're going to finish it tomorrow!). Anyway, I read aloud for about 15 minutes every day. It's a time to relax and enjoy literature because everyone loves a good story!
5) Time for Kids--I haven't incorporated this magazine into our studies yet, but I will be in the near future. It's filled with age appropriate news stories.
**Also, you should have received your child's FAST testing scores at Reading Night. If you were unable to attend I will be sending them home on Tuesday, 9/23.**
