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