Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Does RLC mean MORE work?
2. Why do my child and I need to read aloud every night?
3. How can I get 'NewsFlashes'?
4. What is the link to the Typing Tutor?
5. How does AR work?
6. How can I better comprehend (understand) what I am reading?

Does RLC mean MORE work?

No. Participating in the Gifted Program does not require your child to do 
more work. Rather it is a learning opportunity to explore topics in-depth and 
at length. Additionally, according to state guidelines, your child is exempt 
from the regular classwork that was assigned during his/her time in RLC. 
(However, they are required to make-up tests, etc. and for checking with the 
teacher to see if any new concepts, etc. were covered. The teacher will them 
help them, or assign a buddy for them, to go over the new concepts.)
During RLC time, we have the opportunity to study topics in-depth. For 
example, the 5th grade course of study includes New World Explorers. However, 
with all the other elements in the course of study, the time is not available 
to cover this topic in the depth or breadth that we can in RLC.
And, not every regular-ed classroom has the time or resources to 
allow every study computer time to research and produce presentations beyond 
the traditional book reports, posters, etc.

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Why do my child and I need to read aloud every night?

Students in the 3rd - 5th grade should be able to read silently now. However, 
in order to develop their fluency and to ensure they're developing "good 
reading skills", it is essential that they read aloud every night -- and that 
YOU read aloud as well to MODEL what a good reader sounds like.

Don't be shy about using the voice of the character -- read the Big Bad Wolf 
like he would sound and the Three Little Pigs in their squeaky little 
voices! 
If the character is whispering -- you whisper. If the character is shouting -
-  SHOUT! If the character is afraid, show that it your voice.

A good reader sounds like he/she is TALKING -- not reading at all!

And, best of all, it's a great time to snuggle up with your kids - Yes, 5th 
graders still like that!

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How can I get 'NewsFlashes'?

Just click on the 'E-Mail' button to send me a message. Make sure you write 
me from the E-Mail address you want your News Flashes sent to, or let me know 
in your message where to send them. It's that easy!

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What is the link to the Typing Tutor?

Your child can access his online Typing Tutor by going to:
http://school.typingpal.com/index.asp?cs=15&ecole=1824 
He needs to use the username and password (lunch number) he was given at 
school (this should be his first name and his teacher's section number).

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How does AR work?

Your child is tested to evaluate his/her reading level. He/She then checks 
out books from our Media Center (or you can check them out at the Birmingham 
Public Library) at that level. He/she reads the books (please read them more 
than once if it's NOT a chapter book).
Then your child takes a comprehension test on the computer to measure 
his/her understanding of the book. Depending on his/her grade level, a 
portion of his/her reading grade comes from this. Please check with your 
child's teacher for this information.

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How can I better comprehend (understand) what I am reading?

1. Read, read, read. Unless you're reading a long chapter book, read your 
book at least THREE (3) times. Read it to yourself. Read it to Mom. Read it 
to Dad. Have them read it to you! Take turns reading a page each.
2. Ask yourself questions: 
   Who is the main character?
   Who are other important characters (HINT: if they only mentioned a person
       one time, he's not likely to be REALLY important to the story, but 
       this is not ALWAYS the case.)
    What is the problem?
    What are the important steps the character is taking to resolve (fix) the
        problem?
    What kind of person does the character seem to be?
    What lesson can I learn from this story?
    Where does the story take place?
    When does the story take place?
Remember, not every answer to every comprehension question is actually 
written in the story. Sometimes you have to make an inference or draw a 
conclusion. Webster's Dictionary defines these two terms as follows:

INFERENCE: to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises  -- 
(We read how helpful Ronald Morgan was and INFERRED that he was a KIND 
person)

CONCLUSION: 3 a : to reach as a logically necessary end by reasoning : infer 
on the basis of evidence  

These two are a lot alike. Just remember, when you're reading a book, think 
about the character and WHY he is acting the way he is. Does the story talk 
about her feelings or emotions? Authors rarely put anything in the story -- 
especially children's books -- that is not important to the story.

3. READ, READ, READ!!

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