A full balanced reading program includes a reading and writing workshop, and a variety of other literacy activities like shared reading, close reading, word study, and interactive writing. Parental home support is essential in helping children build a strong foundation for literacy.
Reading aloud to your child offers endless possibilities to instill a love of reading. When you read to your child, you are opening doors to experiences that are beyond their independent reading level and in doing so; you are growing competent readers with greater fluency, vocabulary, and understanding.
Literacy gives children avenues of communication, and enables them to share their ideas, understand the world of print, and broaden their horizons. The development of literacy is the beginning of a child’s independence, it allows them to begin to understand the world around them without the help of others.
Reading aloud to your child offers endless possibilities to instill a love of reading. When you read to your child, you are opening doors to experiences that are beyond their independent reading level and in doing so; you are growing competent readers with greater fluency, vocabulary, and understanding.
Literacy gives children avenues of communication, and enables them to share their ideas, understand the world of print, and broaden their horizons. The development of literacy is the beginning of a child’s independence, it allows them to begin to understand the world around them without the help of others.
Reader's & Writers Workshop
Explicit teaching of new skills gives students perspective, adds to their skills bank, and increases their reading and writing confidence. Guided accountable talk facilitated during group work helps students synthesize newly learned concepts and creates a safe, respectful venue for discussion. Proficiency takes practice and active participation in the use of newly learned skills. Scaffolding students’ learning with modeling, active engagement, and supervised independent practice gives students the tools needed for success.
Independent Reading
There are so many different books and sometimes students have a hard time choosing the perfect book to read independently. As parents, you can help your child make good choices and find a “just right book” by using the five-finger rule.
The Goldilocks Rules for Choosing a Book That is “Just Right”
Too Easy Books ▪ I have read the book many times before. ▪ I understand and can retell the story without much effort. ▪ I know and understand almost every word. ▪ I can read the book smoothly and fluently without much practice. Too Hard Books ▪ There are five or more words on a page that I do not recognize. ▪ I am confused about what is happening in the story. ▪ When I read the words I sound choppy. ▪ I need help when reading this book. Just Right Books ▪ The book is new to me and the topic is interesting to me. ▪ I understand what is happening in most of the story. ▪ I can retell what I have read. ▪ I recognize most of the words on the page, but there are some words to work on. ▪ I can read the book by myself but may need help if I hit a tough spot. |
Help your child find a "just right book with Scholastic's Book Wizard.
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Reading Workshop
Writer's Workshop
Writing is, at its core, is the act of communicating thoughts and ideas in a way that others can understand. Writer’s workshop honors children as writers and allows them to explore and share their ideas and experiences. When parents understand the goals and strategies used in writers workshop they become better equipped to support and nurture their child’s writing at home.
Writers Workshop Routines
Opening: 10 minutes
▪ Listen
▪ Turn and talk
Work Period: 30–40 minutes
▪ Work quietly
▪ Talk with a partner
▪ Talk in small groups
Closing: 10 minutes
▪ Listen to your classmates
▪ Offer suggestions or make comments about their writing
Children will publish 4 major pieces of writing this year.
Non-fiction
▪ Interdisciplinary integrating the science and social studies curriculum
Narrative Procedure
▪ This type of writing is distinct because it teaches others HOW TO
Response to Literature - Author Study
▪ Eric Carle
Narrative Account
▪ Students write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences
Writers Workshop Routines
Opening: 10 minutes
▪ Listen
▪ Turn and talk
Work Period: 30–40 minutes
▪ Work quietly
▪ Talk with a partner
▪ Talk in small groups
Closing: 10 minutes
▪ Listen to your classmates
▪ Offer suggestions or make comments about their writing
Children will publish 4 major pieces of writing this year.
Non-fiction
▪ Interdisciplinary integrating the science and social studies curriculum
Narrative Procedure
▪ This type of writing is distinct because it teaches others HOW TO
Response to Literature - Author Study
▪ Eric Carle
Narrative Account
▪ Students write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences