Friday, May 31, 2013

Fiction and Non Fiction

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During the course of reading lessons, the children are experiencing reading both fiction and non fiction text. 


Fiction stories help us to identify characters, setting, problem and solution.  The stories help to build fluency in reading as well.  The children also practice using inference to help determine the meaning of the story and to build comprehension skills.  Writing a story sentence in a journal is an activity we often do during lessons.




Non fiction stories help us to learn new facts about topics of interest.  The children are learning the components of a non fiction text , such as the table of contents, glossary, bold words, photographs and labels.  Many new vocabulary words are learned by reading non fiction text.  Students will often post their new learning using post its on a board in our room to share with others in our group.   





fiction/non fiction image from (http://firstgradewow.blogspot.com/2012/02/fiction-and-non-fiction.html)

Friday, May 24, 2013

Reading Therapy Dogs visit Jefferson this year

 

I would like to thank all of our wonderful Reading Therapy dogs and handlers who visited our school and listened to the students read.  Each year, the children look forward to the visits.  The students have increased confidence and their reading skills are continuing to improve!  The children have developed an appreciation for the dogs and have learned how to interact with them in a supportive and positive situation.  The dogs, large and small, are great reading companions for the students!  Thank you all so much again!  :)  











 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Summer Reading

Summer is almost here! 

During summer vacation, it is important for children at every age and stage to spend time reading, writing and participating in literacy activities. 

Here are some wonderful summer reading and writing ideas to share with your child to keep summer literacy full of fun! 


Summer Reading Tips for Parents of Kindergartners, First Graders and Readers & Writers


During your child’s school vacation, it is important for him to spend time reading and writing on a regular basis–whether he is a very beginning reader or a fluent reader. Luckily, summer’s more flexible schedule and wide array of activities lend themselves to literacy opportunities. Try some of these suggestions for making your school-aged child’s summer full of literacy fun.
  • Be a reader and writer yourself. When you spend time reading books on the beach or even directions for how to put together the grill this summer, you demonstrate for your child that reading is both fun and useful.
  • Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family’s schedule, reading time might be in the morning, afternoon or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it, but also remember that flexibility around trips and special family events is OK.
  • Read aloud to your reader. As school-aged children become better readers, parents often stop reading aloud to them. However, by reading more difficult books aloud to your reader, you help him learn new vocabulary words, concepts, and ways of telling stories or presenting information. You also enjoy the closeness of sharing a book with your child.
  • Connect read-aloud choices to summer activities. Read your child books about camping, such as “Webster and Arnold Go Camping”, before or after a camping trip. When you read and discuss books about things your child has experienced, you help her learn important vocabulary and extend her understanding of experiences.
  • Allow your child to choose books for summer reading. While it is important for your child to complete reading required by his school, it is equally important for him to read about topics that interest him, whether it is insects, dragons or a favorite fiction series.
  • Help your child select books at a comfortable level. Listen to your child read. If he reads smoothly, uses expression and can accurately tell you what he read, the book is probably at a comfortable level. If you are having troubling judging, consult your local children’s librarian, who is likely to be an expert at matching books to readers. In addition, teach your child to use the “rule of thumb” in selecting books: if he makes five or more errors in reading a page of about 50 words, the book is too challenging.
  • Encourage your child not to limit summer reading to books. Encourage your child to read the sports page to check up on her favorite baseball team or to read children’s magazines such as Ranger Rick, National Geographic World and New Moon.
  • Read a book and watch the video together. When you finish reading and viewing, discuss the similarities and differences and talk about which version you prefer. Many books, including “Stone Fox”, “Sarah, Plain and Tall” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” are available in movie versions.
  • Take books along on outings. Pack books in your beach bag or picnic basket, and bring a stack on long car rides. You and your child can enjoy books together anywhere you go this summer.
  • Encourage your child to write this summer, too. From writing postcards to friends and relatives to keeping a journal while on a trip, summer presents unique ways for your child to write about his own experiences. Have your child pack a disposable camera on vacations or day trips and help him create a book about his experiences.

from (http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/reading-tips/summer-reading-tips-for-parents-of-kindergartners-first-graders-and-readers-writers/)
(sun image found on google search)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Books to enjoy with your child to celebrate the Spring season

Celebrate the Spring season with these wonderful children's books:


Bluebird’s Nest by Dorothea DePrisco
Watch a busy bluebird build a comfy nest from start to finish.




The Caterpillar and the Polliwog by Jack Kent
A determined polliwog longs to become a butterfly just like his caterpillar friend.




Cold Little Duck, Duck, Duck by Lisa Westberg Peters
As a little duckling eagerly waits for his pond to melt, he imagines all the joys that come with the warmth of springtime.

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Counting in the Garden by Kim Parker
Count the bees and dragon flies buzzing around the flowers in this beautifully illustrated book.




The Happy Day by Ruth Krauss
In this Caldecott Honor book, the sweet smell of spring awakens forest animals from their long winter naps.




Hurray for Spring! by Patricia Hubbell
Celebrate the season with an energetic young boy as he splashes in puddles, swims in a pond, talks to ants, and goes bird-watching.



Product Details
In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
Leap through the seasons with a tiny frog as he guides you through his pond in this vivid Caldecott Honor book. Learn more.   




Inch by Inch by Leo Lioni
A winsome inchworm is proud to be able to measure anything, and puts his skill to good use when a hungry robin gets too close.




It's Spring! by Linda Glaser
With eye-catching cut-paper artwork, spring pops to life as a curious boy explores the world around him.


Go to "Mouse's First Spring (Classic Board Books)" page
Mouse's First Spring by Lauren Thompson
Follow a little mouse and his momma as a gentle breeze blows the first signs of spring their way.




Mud by Mary Lyn Ray
Rejoice in the arrival of spring with this lyrical homage to mushy springtime mud!




Poppleton in Spring by Cynthia Rylant
The popular pig goes through the usual spring rituals of cleaning, shopping for a new bicycle, and sleeping in a tent in the backyard, with his own Poppleton twist.




Rabbit's Good News by Ruth Lercher Bornstein
Follow a little brown bunny as a mysterious "soft green sound" lures her into finding spring.




The Rain Came Down by David Shannon
Find out what happens when an unexpected downpour creates chaos on a previously sunny day.



Splish, Splash, Spring by Jan Carr
Frolic through a fun-filled day of spring activities with three friends and their dog in this bright and lively book. Learn more.



Spring Is Here by Lois Lenski
This charming classic will mesmerize a whole new generation of children who are eager to celebrate the wonders of spring.



Spring Song by Barbara Seuling
Guess how black bears, moles, bullfrogs and skunks respond to the change in season with this fascinating interactive book.



The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
In this wonderful classic, a voracious caterpillar eats its way through pages of food and transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Learn more.





Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
Enter a vibrant spring garden and witness the beautiful metamorphoses of butterflies in this masterful nature book.




Friday, May 3, 2013

Kindergarten Writing

The Kindergarten students are enjoying their writing journals!  They are becoming more independent as they practice their skills.  Please see the article below, which explains writing milestones for this age and what parents can do to encourage their young writer at home.

 

Kindergartner Writing Milestones

Your kindergartner is beginning to realize that he is a writer. Many kindergartners love to write, and they naturally weave writing activities into their play. They pretend to be a waiter writing down customers’ orders on a notepad and create signs for a “post office.” While not all kindergartners write lengthy stories, most can draw a picture and write a one-word label for their picture. When your kindergartner sees himself as a writer, he is more likely to practice.
Kindergartners use invented spelling. Kindergartners use what they know about letters and sounds to write messages using “invented spelling,” or spelling words by the way they sound. By learning to “stretch out” the words to help them hear individual sounds, kindergartners can label a picture. Your child may write “BR” for “bear” or “I MAD MI BD” for “I made my bed.” Kindergartners generally use mostly consonants in their writing, as vowel sounds are harder for them to discriminate from one another. Using invented spelling actually helps your child practice the letter-sound relationships she needs for reading.
Kindergartners can write some words the “right” way. In addition to writing words according to the sounds they hear, kindergartners are developing a bank of words that they write frequently and can spell the “right” way. These words might include their own names and names of friends and family members. Writing these words over and over the correct way will help your child be able to read them too.
Kindergartners can read what they have written. Although you may have difficulty deciphering the writing of your kindergartner, he can most likely read the message he has written. In school, many kindergartners take pride in sharing their writing in front of the class. Many classrooms have special writing celebrations or “author’s chair” times set aside for children to share their work. Not all children like to share their writing, so it is perfectly acceptable for a child to “pass” on sharing.


Encouraging Your Kindergartner

  • Encourage your child to express ideas and emotions by writing them down. Offer your help when she needs it. A birthday card, a letter, and even a grocery list are all ways of communicating thoughts and emotions. When you show your child how useful and necessary writing is in many different situations, you encourage her to use writing to both imagine and communicate.
  • Don’t worry about correct spelling. Your kindergartner is just beginning to learn about the relationship between letters and sounds. At this age, children generally know how to spell some common words correctly, such as "go" and "love," but they "invent spell" most words, using their knowledge of letter sounds to record what they hear. Celebrate your child’s first attempts at spelling! The kindergartner who spells "Elephant" as "LFNT" is thinking carefully about sounds and letters.
  • Encourage your child to read her own writing. Many kindergartners are proud to read their work to a caring adult. Although parents are not always able to decipher their kindergartner’s writing, children are generally able to "read" their writing based on the letters they wrote and their memory of what they intended to write. You can compliment and encourage your child for reading his own writing by saying, "I like how you used such interesting words." Not all children like to read their writing, however, so be sensitive to your child’s desire to keep his writing private if he likes.
  • Provide a wide variety of pens and papers. Children are motivated to write more often if a variety of materials with which to experiment is handy. Markers, colored pencils, sidewalk chalk, glitter pens, neon pens on black paper, chalk and easel, colored paper, and old greeting cards are all appealing writing materials for 5-year-olds. They also enjoy keeping their materials in a special box or drawer.
  • Show your child how YOU write. One of the most important ways to help your kindergartner develop as a writer is by writing yourself and talking about the process with your child. As you address an envelope, you might explain why you are writing the name and address of the recipient on the front of the letter. Write grocery lists by saying the items aloud and then writing them. You can even enlist your child’s help in figuring out the first letter to write in "bananas" and "milk" as you make the grocery list together.

from (http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/reading-milestones/kindergartner-language-development-milestones/kindergartner-writing/)