December 18, 2009

Dear Parents,

            The second quarter has come to a close and third grade is already half over!  I am pleased with the effort my class has made thus far in meeting grade level standards.  However, we’re not quite done yet… we still have so much ahead of us! 

            In Reading for 3^rd quarter we will be focusing primarily on fiction texts such as short stories, novels, fantasies, fairy tales and fables.  We will be identifying and interpreting elements of fiction to determine the author’s purpose, the plot, the conflict and resolution, the sequence, the lesson or message, the main idea and supporting details, the cause and effect, and the character’s and author’s point of view.  In an effort to get your child involved with what they’re reading, I would suggest asking them the following (not formally, but more like a “book talk” conversation):

• Why did you choose this story?
• What do you predict about the story that makes you think it will be interesting?
• Have your child tell you what is happening with the characters of the story while they are reading.
• Where is the story taking place?
• How do you visualize the setting?
• Does it remind you of a place that you may have been?
• As you were reading, where in the story was it confusing or difficult to understand?
• What strategies can you use to help you understand difficult or confusing parts?

Please continue to check that your child is reading a book that is appropriate for them.  If your child has difficulty understanding the questions above, they should reconsider their choice and choose a book on their level (use the 5 finger rule).  On the other hand, if the book is too easy, they may have trouble answering some of the more analytical questions.  After their 20 minutes of reading, ask your child to retell what they’ve read.  Are they able to recall the main events in order?  Are they able to talk in depth about the characters (How do the characters feel?  What do they think?)

I focus a great deal on encouraging the students not to just write in complete sentences, but to also extend their answers and thoughts.  I hope the information above helps when you are working with your child at home

If you have any questions please contact me when we return from our winter break.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year 2010!

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                Mrs. Jan Harrison

(919) 460-3527

jharrison@wcpss.net