Reading at SCHOOL…
So how is it that one teacher teaches 22 children to read over the course of a school year? It’s a daunting task, one that any first grade teacher does not take lightly!
Our goal at Westwood is to develop the lifelong reader – one who can read, and one who also chooses to read.
Reading instruction in first grade is much more than just “calling words” or reading “fluently” or quickly. There is so much thinking that goes into it. I strive to teach your child to become a thinker as he reads.
Small group Instruction – “guided reading”
In this setting, I meet with a small group of students, who are reading at basically the same level. I use these lessons to teach specific strategies to read fluently. I do not teach students to sound out words, or cover the pictures as they read. I use their knowledge of how the English language works to help them problem solve as they are reading. All first graders will learn to use these decoding strategies as they read:
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Skip the word and read on - backtrack and figure it out
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“get your mouth ready” (using the first sound(s) to get a word started)
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using the chunks of the word you already know to figure out the new word
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look at the picture – what could the word be?
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does what I just said make sense?
A part of reading that must not be left out is comprehension. In these small groups, I am able to see if a student can not only read the words printed, but actually understands what is happening.
I work diligently to make sure that your child receives the best instruction at the right level for him.
Whole group instruction – cognitive strategy focus
In this setting, I meet with the whole class to share a text, which is above the students’ oral reading abilities. I use texts, which are difficult to understand so that I can teach students how to think – to use a strategy I have taught them to truly comprehend a sophisticated text. This is often a first grader’s favorite lesson of the day!
Individual instruction
As needed, I may meet with students one on one to meet individual needs – either to challenge or remediate.
Reading at HOME…
Parents are an integral part
of a child’s reading development.
What can you do to help?
Show your child that you are a reader. Let him see you reading for pleasure, or to gain information. Talk about what you choose to read and why. When appropriate, share with your child how you choose a book to read.
Be supportive when your child reads at home. Make it part of your nightly routine. Listen to your tone of voice and the words you use when you ask your child to read to you. Don’t make reading homework a chore!
When your child brings home readers, which she can read with ease, enjoy the reading and praise your child for a job well done. Home readers should not be a struggle. In order to get better at something, we need to practice!
Take your child to the public library or the bookstore. Make reading a part of your life!
Don’t let your child focus on a reading level number, or for that matter, don't you do it either!
Find a chapter book or a book series to read to your child. Carve out some time to read to him each night.
Encourage your child to choose reading material which is “just right” for her.
Enjoy watching your reader grow!