Dear Parents,
I am excited about this year and the enthusiasm the students are already
showing in reading. I am a firm believer in reading to, and with children.
By the time most children outgrow picture books many parents stop reading
with them. We should remember that there are whole new worlds to explore
in books even as the children grow older. There are chapter books
filled with many new places to enjoy with the same imagination they had
when younger.
Some of us remember being read to only at bed time, and then only until
we reached a certain age. Reading aloud is not an enjoyment that magically
stops at a particular age, nor is it something just for bedtime.
| It is not too late to start
reading aloud again even if you’ve put it aside when the child put picture
books away. Go to the library or book store and allow the child to choose
a great chapter book or two. Then prepare for an hour or an evening of
pure magic as you enter the world of fantasy together. There are, naturally,
benefits that extend far beyond that time together. It will help the child
develop a love of books and will expand knowledge and vocabulary. |
In recent years, “quality time” has become quite the buzz phrase. What
better quality time can be found than curling up with a child, no matter
what his or her age, and getting lost in a good book together?
|
Here
are some tips for encouraging your child to read:
1. Read to your child. No matter what age, they will benefit
from hearing you read aloud.
2. Discuss the books you read to your child.
3. Be a good reading “model” by letting them see you
read.
4. Introduce them to books that discuss their hobby,
interests, or new experiences.
5. Buy books as presents for your child and they will
learn to value books.
6. Make sure they have a library card!!! |
 
In fifth grade the students are to read three AR books each nine weeks.
They are given a reading range they may choose books from. From this range
they should be able to read the books and successfully pass the test on
them. Please, check to see that they are bring a library book home to read
and that they are not waiting until the end of the nine weeks to read them.
These tests, along with their workbooks, story quizzes, unit tests, and
other material to check mastery, determines the grade your child will receive
each nine weeks.
As parents and teachers, it is
up to us to make sure that our children can read, write, spell, and pronounce
words correctly.
The ability to read is essential, the information age is upon us and
you can expect greater demands to be made upon reading ability. I hope
after this year your child will have gained a life long love of reading
and improved their reading and comprehension skills.
PEGGY DOWNS
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