Parent Resources
The Importance of Reading: A Letter to Parents and Students
Tips for Encouraging Reading at Home
1. Make sure there is a designated time carved into the day for reading.
2. Observe your child's reading habits. Is your child able to maintain focus on reading for 20 minutes or more? Students may need to work up to the recommended 20-30 minutes of sustained silent reading.
3. Set a timer for reading and celebrate success! (There is a timer on most cell phones or you can find one online. A kitchen timer works well also!)
4. Provide a quiet place for reading that is free of distractions.
5. Sit down and read your current book along with your child.
6. Talk to your child about his or her current book. Discuss the story. Is it enjoyable? If not, why?
7. Take turns reading the book aloud. This helps students become fluent readers!
Book Lists
Looking for book recommendations for your 7th grade student?
Online Resources
The following online resources are intended to be a sampling of tools students will use this year in Language Arts class.
Academic Practice
Flipgrid: Students practice speaking skills.
Quizlet: Students study vocabulary.
Schoology: Access Schoology through the RRISD hub to view class assignments.
Reading
Goodreads: With permission from a parent/guardian, students can create an account in order to track their reading and find recommendations for the next book to read.
The Learning Network: Students read about current events in order to write and discuss.
Smithsonian TweenTribune: Students read about current events in order to write and discuss.
Resources for Students with Print Disabilities
Learning Ally: Students can listen to a wide variety of audio books (including textbooks) online. The user name and password is the student's ID number WITHOUT the "s" in front. Students with 504 accommodations for a print disability should have an account. Please let me know if your child has accommodations but is unable to log in. Learning Ally is accessible via computer or phone app.
Snap & Read Chrome Extension: The Snap & Read Chrome extension is a tool that will translate digital text into audio. Students should be aware of this resource and know how to use it at home and at school. Please let me know if you need more information.
MackinVIA: This is a free audio book resource available through Ridgeview Middle School to all students. Students' log-in information is their student ID number including the "s" for both fields. Please contact the librarian, Ms. Linda Kay, for more information.