Library News

Library Schedules have been set and your child should be reading library books daily. There are many "open" times during the day when teachers are able to schedule the library for student research, group work, or class projects.

Your child also has a designated day and time that library is scheduled for book check in/out.

Please note that the library is available for individual book selection every morning 8:00-8:45 and afternoon 3:00-3:25. This time allows your child to exchange books often. We want to encourage your children to read as much as possible.

STAR Reading Program

This computer based program tests your child over a pool of questions to diagnose reading strengths and weaknesses.

A ZPD(zoned proficient development) score will be assessed, which basically gives your child a reading level which to begin. Our library books are coded with reading ranges, so your child will read in the range that is best for his/her growth. As reading takes place, you will see gains in this ZPD. Your child will develop a strong foundation of reading skills and vocabulary if he/she continues to read within the reading range. On occasion, we encourage your child to read what we call an "easy" or "challenge" book. An easy book is fun and relaxing and your child needs to experience this type of reading. A challenging book needs to be read on occasion to initiate a boost in interest and skill growth, but the majority of reading should be done within your child's reading range. He/she should also be choosing non-fiction reading books, as well as fiction. It is acceptable for your child to choose a non-fiction book that falls lower than the reading range. Due to the challenging material being read for information, rather than enjoyment, this is acceptable and will still grow and develop the needed skills and vocabulary. Non-fiction reading should be encouraged. So much of our TAKS reading is presented in non-fiction selections and the questions require much depth in "thinking" and "problem solving".

Each six weeks you should receive a "parent report" that summarizes your child's strengths, weaknesses, and suggested reading range.

Accelerated Reader

This program is motivational and fun for your child. Each student gains points for every book read WELL and a computer test passed. Even though AR accepts 60 as passing and does give partial points for a book, we at North do not accept that standard. North Elementary students set high goals and we expect 70 or better on AR testing. We would much prefer 90-100, which is always a great individual goal to set. If a child does not pass a test, then he/she is expected to REREAD the book carefully and retake the test at a later date. We feel strongly about developing solid readers at this level of learning and building vocabulary is so very important. Rereading a failed book will always help develop a reader and improve his/her skills not only with basic reading but it also develops test strategy skills. Please encourage your child to read shorter books " three good times" before attempting a test. Once your child begins to read chapter books, we work on developing more "thinking" as you read strategies, encourage "quick" comprehension checks after each chapter, and a chapter by chapter "thought" process strategy before testing.

Readers are Leaders!

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