Reading is Thinking!

I desire for students to LOVE to read! If a task is hard for you, the only way to get better is practice and figure out a way to have fun doing it. Our classroom is filled with exciting books, both fiction and nonfiction, that students may use to find their "just right" book. Students are required to read for at least 20 minutes EVERY night. They also need to be reading from different genres (historical fiction, biographies, informational, magazines, realistic fiction, fantasy fiction, etc.) in order to broaden their horizons and reach new levels as a readers.

Most importantly, we are going to move from reading for basic meaning to also reading for DEEPER meaning. We will be working on summarizing, finding the theme/life lessons, comparing characters, making connections, visualizing, and much more!

I will be sending home a brochure of tips for reading with your child near the beginning of the year. Please put this in a visible place and feel free to let me know if you need another copy.

Students

Be sure that you are documenting ALL of your reading into your Reader's Notebook at school each day.

Also, remember that writers are inspired by the world around them. I encourage you to keep a small notepad and jot down ideas for stories based on your life "moments", life themes from movies you watch or books you read, or issues in the world around you that inspire you to make a difference. Any of these topics could easily turn into a great piece of writing for you this year in our classroom!

Spelling

Study each week for your spelling test on Friday. Spelling homework is optional in my classroom. However, reflect on your progress with spelling (tests and spelling in everyday work) and make adjustments to how you are studying as needed. Some helpful ideas for studying your spelling words may include:

write your words 3-5 times each

list your words in alphabetical order

Sailboat/Triangle form (see me if you don't know what this is)

spell your words while bouncing a basketball outside- one bounce per letter (make sure a friend/adult is checking your spelling)