Our grant for new books from DonorsChoose.org was funded several weeks ago! Our new books have arrived! It did not take long for every student in our class to dive right in to a new book. The kids helped me unpack the box and explore the contents. We have already read a few books as a whole group, and most students have had a chance to read one independently.
We know that reading books on our level (books we like, can read with 96% percent accuracy, and that we can understand) helps us grow as readers. Many of the books are "Just Right" reads for the kids, and some of them are easy. Easy books are great for building fluency and for working on reading with expression. A short book talk about the Dr. Seuss books was all it took to get students engaged in independent and partner reading focused on fluency, comprehension, and expression.
They are off to a great start this year. I can see a lot of growth happening already. Thank you for your support at home and through DonorsChoose.org. We are so glad to have new books in the classroom!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Different Styles, Different Children Booklist | Books by Theme | Children's Books and Authors | Reading Rockets
We are studying theme this week. This book list should give you and your child a lot to talk about. Happy reading!
Different Styles, Different Children Booklist | Books by Theme | Children's Books and Authors | Reading Rockets
Different Styles, Different Children Booklist | Books by Theme | Children's Books and Authors | Reading Rockets
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Fluency Matters | Reading Topics A-Z | Reading Rockets
This article has great tips for increasing reading fluency! I hope you will check it out. Let me know if you try any of the ideas. I would love to hear your feedback.
Fluency Matters | Reading Topics A-Z | Reading Rockets
Fluency Matters | Reading Topics A-Z | Reading Rockets
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Good Fit Books Needed!
My project request, "Good Fit Books Needed!" is eligible for match at DonorsChoose.org. That means we can get more books for our money. If you are interested in finding out about helping our classroom grow a diverse library, please click HERE! Thank you!
Welcome back!
It was a great week! I am so excited for the year to come. Thank you to everyone who came to Back to School Night and to all of the parents who stopped in during the week to say, "Hello!" I look forward to getting to know you and your family throughout the year.
This week we practiced our routines and procedures. The kids are doing great with our Morning Routine of getting set for the day, choosing new books for their book boxes, and reading. They are already building stamina for an increased volume of reading. We learned that reading time is precious and we need to make sure we have time each day to practice. We learned that the more you read, the more you know! Just like preparing for a marathon, it is important to increase our reading at a steady pace in order to grow stronger and stay the course. Thank you for your support at home making sure your child has a quiet place to read each night (either with or without you).
In writing we have begun brainstorming topics, planning, and drafting stories. Some students are writing about their lives and some are creating stories from their imaginations. Both types of stories are great for sharing, and we have enjoyed hearing several stories already. Your kids are creative and detailed!
In math we are practicing counting, comparing, and composing numbers. We collected data about our eye color and converted it into a class pictograph. We practiced making a bar graph, and compared the information. We learned a new math game called "Tall Towers" and another math activity named "Number Splash." We also spent some time exploring the manipulatives.
In social studies we have been discussing the importance of rules and laws. We shared some of the rules that we have at home to keep our home safe and rules that we have at school.
We will continue working on all of the above concepts and begin our reading assessments this week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
This week we practiced our routines and procedures. The kids are doing great with our Morning Routine of getting set for the day, choosing new books for their book boxes, and reading. They are already building stamina for an increased volume of reading. We learned that reading time is precious and we need to make sure we have time each day to practice. We learned that the more you read, the more you know! Just like preparing for a marathon, it is important to increase our reading at a steady pace in order to grow stronger and stay the course. Thank you for your support at home making sure your child has a quiet place to read each night (either with or without you).
In writing we have begun brainstorming topics, planning, and drafting stories. Some students are writing about their lives and some are creating stories from their imaginations. Both types of stories are great for sharing, and we have enjoyed hearing several stories already. Your kids are creative and detailed!
In math we are practicing counting, comparing, and composing numbers. We collected data about our eye color and converted it into a class pictograph. We practiced making a bar graph, and compared the information. We learned a new math game called "Tall Towers" and another math activity named "Number Splash." We also spent some time exploring the manipulatives.
In social studies we have been discussing the importance of rules and laws. We shared some of the rules that we have at home to keep our home safe and rules that we have at school.
We will continue working on all of the above concepts and begin our reading assessments this week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Back to School
I am looking forward to meeting my new students and parents!
Back to School Night is this Thursday, August 23rd from 5:00pm-6:00pm!
If you already have your child's supplies you may bring them to Back to School Night. You may access a supply list HERE. An additional supply "wish list" is included at the Important Links tab.
Back to School Night is this Thursday, August 23rd from 5:00pm-6:00pm!
If you already have your child's supplies you may bring them to Back to School Night. You may access a supply list HERE. An additional supply "wish list" is included at the Important Links tab.
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