The focus of our accelerated reading class is deeper comprehension and writing
skills. We also spend a lot of time working on fluency--that is smooth, fluid
reading. But comprehension is the biggest skill we stress. Who are the
characters, why did they act this way? What would you have done if you were a
character? What was the problem? What was the solution? Is it right or
wrong? On and on the questions go...hopefully helping us be better readers.
One of the keys to success in this class is the amount of on-level reading.
You have to read a lot, and it has to be more than just the "easy" books! If
you need help choosing appropriate books, please let me know; I'd be more than
happy to give you suggestions.
The majority of our formal reading instruction (Language Arts) occurs in
"Ability Groups." These groups are formed from the entire third grade
students, mixing and matching between classes, to create atmospheres where
each student can be grouped with a few students of similar ability. This
helps them to practice specific skills at their level throughout the class.
It also allows them, through the different groups found within the class, to
mix with all abilities and grow and teach and learn from each of their
classmates. We have two classes that are at and above grade level, and one
accelerated class that works at a faster pace, above grade level.
Class assignments are made after all of our beginning-of-the-year tests are
complete, and we can adequately group in a balanced and appropriate way.
Throughout the year we watch, and re-group, and re-test, and re-group, and
re-think, and re-group as necessary!! :-)
Most of our class instruction each day will take place in several small
groups, allowing your child to read at his/ her appropriate level. I change
my groups, based on skills and need, about once a month. We also have some
time each day to work as a whole-group on learning and practicing reading
skills, phonics rules, listening and speaking, as well as read-alouds from the
teacher.
We also do Spelling within our Language Arts block. Each week we will focus
on a specific pattern or spelling "rule," with specific words to learn and
memorize by the end of the week. In addition to a list of words each week, we
will also be taking "Dictation" tests where the students have to copy the
sentences I read aloud, trying to correctly spell the words without help.
They will be graded on conventions of writing (Capitals, periods),
handwriting, and spelling words correctly in the sentence.
In third grade we switch to teaching and practicing formal writing during
Language Arts as well. We will work through the writing process, practicing
many types of writing, and learning how to edit and produce a final draft!
Your child's writing will grow tremendously this year, and I appreciate the
reinforcement you give them in this are at home!
