Some reading info...

Hi everybody! I just have to say thank you for putting up with the never-ending stream of reminders and how-to's. I hope they are at least somewhat helpful because they are never intended to add stress. In fact, my intention is to help you help them. Does that make sense? I hope to give you tools to help your child at home. So, here we go. At this point in the year, first grade students are in the middle of a major transition in reading. Think back to the beginning of the year. The hope was that they knew all sounds and letters in the alphabet and could stretch out the sounds in words enough to tell a beginning, middle, and ending sound. In the middle of the year, we wanted them to put those letters together on paper to read at least 15 easy words like "cat" in one minute. At the end of the year, we put all of those things together but add an important component. REAL reading and comprehension! At this point in the year, the goal is that first graders can read printed words without picture clues. This would include sight (star) words and words with all the skills until this point...and that's a lot. In fact, first grade is such a pivotal year because (most) children learn more reading skills this year than any other year of their life!!! They never cease to amaze me.

Whew! Anyway, the shift to actually reading fluently (like you talk) is crucial for comprehension. I'm sure you've noticed the skill-based books I've been sending home. The picture is an example of one. If you notice the top right corner, the book says the skill we are learning that week, so these books are specifically for learning skills. Here's the (hopefully) helpful hint. HAVE YOUR CHILD READ THEM THREE TIMES. Rereading it helps that skill and those words cement in the brain and really improves fluency. Even if this book is easy for your child, the point is to reinforce phonics skills that are the cornerstone of reading success.

No matter what level your child is reading, these skills are important! Consistent practice is the best thing, so wherever your child is, just keep reading!

Here is an example of another book I might send home. This book is leveled, longer, and does not focus on specific phonics skills but actually has a storyline (fiction) or facts (non-fiction). DO NOT READ THESE THREE TIMES unless you are really gung-ho, of course. These books get too long at some point to reread that many times in a row, especially a level M like this one. You may, however, have your child reread a few sections of it three times just to teach fluency. Well, is that enough soap box for one day? I am LOVING your kids more and more as the year goes on if that is even possible, and I can't believe we are on the home stretch. One week until our writing assessments! Exciting!