Our Learning Concept:

I hear and I forget

I see and I remember

I do and I understand

Reading   

Our reading program includes:

Whole group instruction

The whole group reading lessons provide students with an interesting array of fiction and nonfiction stories.  The stories are read aloud which provides all students the opportunity to improve their reading skills by reading and listening.  After the story, the students participate in a focused discussion of the ideas presented in the story.

Thematic units

The thematic units create a high level of interest in the students and can be carried across the curriculum.  The themes can be used in math, science, and writing to give a cohesive feel to the students and to help them make connections and build on prior knowledge.  The theme allows all students at every level to participate in a meaningful manner.

Weekly skill instruction

Every week a new reading skill is introduced.  These skills allow all the students to focus on a particular area in order to master that reading concept.  We concentrate on skills such as making judgments, cause and effect, plot, and summarizing to give students the ability to read critically when they are reading independently.

Reading groups

This is a small group activity that provides students the opportunity to read books and stories at their level.  The small groups allow students to read more and get more individualized help.  Because students are reading teacher selected material appropriate for their reading level, they experience a high level of understanding and success.  Engaging activities follow each story and guided comprehension is used throughout each reading.  The small group discussions get more in-depth and every student is actively participating.

Literacy Centers

The literacy centers have age/developmentally appropriate materials that are hands on and encourage higher level thinking.  The students get to choose which activity they will participate in that day.  The materials are engaging and guided by inquiry.  The centers provide reinforcement for concepts currently and previously being studied.  The centers allow students to have fun while learning.

Reading Workshop

The reading workshop presents students with a very narrowly focused concept and time to practice and master the concept.  A ten minute mini-lesson is given at the beginning of the workshop, then students are given twenty minutes to practice the skill.  At the end of the workshop the students reconvene to discuss how they applied the skill and how it helped them when they were reading.

Self Selected Reading (S.S.R.)

Self Selected Reading provides students with their choice of a wide variety of material so they are in charge of their reading experience.  Students may choose any book in the room's library.  They may choose based on their interests, how they are feeling that day, a favorite author or character, their reading level, our thematic unit, or any combination of the above.  During S.S.R. time students may indeed choose a book that is above their reading level.  The goal is for the students to meaningfully interact with print and have a true connection with the material they - themselves - have chosen.

Accelerated Reader Program

The Accelerated Reader program gives students the opportunity to have their reading level assessed.  The teacher helps the student select a book based on their reading level and interests.  After the students have completed their books, they take a quiz on the computer to assess their comprehension.  Their score is recorded and they earn points toward prizes.

The most important thing a student can do to ensure his/her learning success is to read every night!