Reading Information
“When teachers, librarians, and parents concentrate on plans to foster a love of reading in each child, communities become caring, literate places to live.” - Charlotte Huck "Children are made readers in the laps of their parents." - Emilie Buchwald |
Second grade is an exciting year to teach reading. I get to see kids grow into fluent readers who also expand their comprehension and vocabulary skills. I hope you also enjoy seeing this growth as much as I do. While we’ll be working hard at school, our work here alone likely won’t provide your child with enough time to grow to her/his full potential or develop a true love of reading.
As your child’s first and best teacher, this is where you come in. If it helps motivate your child, I ask that you ensure your child is reading and accurately recording at least 20 minutes daily outside of school. This can be time spent reading alone, with someone else, being read to, or following along with an audio book. Reading to a pet even counts! Reading just right books will accelerate your child's progress and allow him/her to read and understand more challenging books sooner. All second grader readers still need daily read aloud time at home - even if they are also reading independently. It's the best way to improve fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This time should definitely be included on the reading log. I realize that this will be no problem for some, doable for most, and a struggle for a few. If your child is reluctant to read at home or isn’t able to meet our monthly minute expectation, please contact me so we can work together. This will be the most important homework your child does this year! |
ReadyGEN"ReadyGEN is an integrated and well-balanced approach to reading and writing instruction for Grades K-6 classrooms. Authentic texts with modeling and teacher-directed activities drive learning and motivate readers. Students read authentic literary and informational texts. Instruction focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening in response to authentic texts."
Junior Great BooksAs an extension of our reading curriculum, our class is using Junior Great Books. "In this discussion-based program, which includes classic and contemporary stories, students will be learning to ask questions and develop their own ideas about what they read. I look forward to having students share their thoughts and learn from classmates."
CentersEach day kids will have a chance to visit two centers while I'm working with small guided reading groups. These are independent activities that provide students with time to master important skills.
Book Clubs"Guided reading is 'small-group reading instruction designed to provide differentiated teaching that supports students in developing reading proficiency'. The small group model allows children to be taught in a way that is intended to be more focused on their specific needs, accelerating their progress."
|