Homework is usually sent home in a packet format on Monday and due back on
Friday. If for some reason you cannot complete the tasks by Friday, please
send in a note with your child so that he/she does not worry.
REQUIRED EVERYNIGHT: When I send home the first reading log I will include
some statistics which will explain to you how much extra practice your child
will get if he/she does the required reading every night.
Your child should read to YOU and discuss the story with YOU or another
responsible adult. If you notice a problem and don't know how to help your
child, please contact me and we will try to figure it out together.
REREAD stories to build fluency (smoothness) and expression.
REREAD stories if your child cannot retell the story to you [forgets details,
cannot retell in order (sequence), etc.]
REREAD stroies for pleasure.
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HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SELECT "JUST RIGHT" BOOKS FOR READING HOMEWORK
Five Finger Method for determining if a book is right for you.
The Five Finger Method is one way to test a book before you spend too much
time with it and get frustrated.
1. First choose the book you think you would like to read.
2. Find a page of text somewhere in the middle of the book. Find a page
with lots of text (words) and few or no pictures.
3. Begin to read the page. It is best to read the page aloud or in a
whisper if possible while doing the test so you can hear the places where you
have difficulty.
4. Each time you come to a word you don't know, hold one finger up.
5. If you have all five fingers up before you get to the end of the page,
wave the book "good-bye". It is probably too difficult for you right now. If
you need help finding a book, ask your librarian.
6. If you have no fingers up when you finish the page, then the book may be
an easy read for you.
7. If you have less than five fingers but more than one or two fingers up
when you finish reading the page, the book may be just what you need to grow
as a reader.
Book Nuts Reading Club: Five Finger Test
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Goldilocks Method for determining if a book is "Just Right"
for children going into Kindergarten through 3rd grade
Do you remember Goldilocks' quest to find the porridge, chair and bed that
were "just right"? Selecting a book can sometimes feel the same way. Just as
Goldilocks found that some porridges were too hot or too cold and others were
just right, we often have difficulty finding books that are "just right" and
not too hard to too easy.
When you are reading a book you can try asking yourself these questions to
help you find a book that is "just right" for you.
TOO EASY BOOKS
1. Have you read this book many times before?
2. Do you know and understand almost every word?
3. Can you read it smoothly and fluently without much practice or effort?
JUST RIGHT BOOKS
1. Is this book new to you?
2. Are there a few words per page that you don't recognize or know the
meaning of instantly?
3. Can someone help you if you reach a tough spot?
TOO HARD BOOKS
1. Are there more than a few words on a page that you don't recognize or
know the meaning of?
2. When you read, are you struggling and does it sound choppy?
3. Is everyone busy and unable to help you if you hit a tough spot?
Book Nuts Reading Club: Goldilocks Rule