Reading
Reading is an integral part of everyone's life everyday. That's why it is so important that students read, not only in school, but at home too. So how do you know if your child is an effective, meaningful reader? They need to be able to read with fluency, expression, and correct phrasing as well as understand what they are reading.
How can I make sure my child is a meaningful reader? That's an easy one! Read with your child, talk about books, recommend books, visit the library together, go on author's websites and learn more about your child's favorite author - they usually have a book list on their site. Also, don't forget that eventhough your child is a 5th grader, they still like to be read to! Make it a special time with your child. There are so many things in our day that are pulling us away from time with our family, but sharing a book in the evening can be one of those special times that we make sure to set aside each day - and it only has to be for 20-30 minutes. So turn off that television, turn off that cell phone and computer or iPad, and cuddle up with your child and a book to read together. You can read to them, they can read to you, or you can take turns reading to each other.
**Please make sure to also browse the scholastic book fliers that come home once a month. You can order great new books through the flyer or online. Information for online ordering comes home with the flyer.**
What the research says about reading:
1. Parent and family involvement is a key ingredient that contributes to students' success in education in general (Henderson 1998)
2. Students who read the most (both assigned and choice) tend to have the highest levels of reading achievement (Opitz and Rasinski 1998)
3. Children's reading is dramatically influenced by the number of hours they spend reading (Postlethwaite & Ross 1992)
How can I make sure my child is a meaningful reader? That's an easy one! Read with your child, talk about books, recommend books, visit the library together, go on author's websites and learn more about your child's favorite author - they usually have a book list on their site. Also, don't forget that eventhough your child is a 5th grader, they still like to be read to! Make it a special time with your child. There are so many things in our day that are pulling us away from time with our family, but sharing a book in the evening can be one of those special times that we make sure to set aside each day - and it only has to be for 20-30 minutes. So turn off that television, turn off that cell phone and computer or iPad, and cuddle up with your child and a book to read together. You can read to them, they can read to you, or you can take turns reading to each other.
**Please make sure to also browse the scholastic book fliers that come home once a month. You can order great new books through the flyer or online. Information for online ordering comes home with the flyer.**
What the research says about reading:
1. Parent and family involvement is a key ingredient that contributes to students' success in education in general (Henderson 1998)
2. Students who read the most (both assigned and choice) tend to have the highest levels of reading achievement (Opitz and Rasinski 1998)
3. Children's reading is dramatically influenced by the number of hours they spend reading (Postlethwaite & Ross 1992)