Balanced literacy is a framework designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively. The balanced literacy framework stands firmly on the premise that all students can learn to read and write. This balance between reading and writing allows students to receive the individualized teaching appropriate to their strengths and needs in literacy.
Balanced literacy has several components embedded into the framework which will support your child’s growth and success in reading. These components are Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Conferring, Independent Reading, Word Study, Shared Writing, Interactive Writing, and Sharing/Reflection. All of these components are part of your child’s daily Reading and Writer’s Workshop lessons.
Our reading theme for the 2014-2015 school year will be “Read to Succeed.” All of our Balanced Literacy activities will be planned along this theme.
1st quarter – Community Helpers Read
2nd quarter – Heroes Read
3rd quarter – Reading is Innovative
4th quarter – Reading is Entertaining
K-2 Accelerated Reader (AR) Program
Accelerated Reader is an individualized reading program which allows your child to take reading tests within their reading zone. Your child will have the opportunity to earn points for each book read and to participate in quarterly Accelerated Reading celebrations to celebrate his/her reading success. Accelerated Reader is a motivational tool to increase reading in our youngest students.
Students begin in AR by taking a computerized STAR reading test. This test identifies a reading range at which a student will read. Their reading range is placed on the back of their name tags. Students retake the STAR test each quarter to see how much their reading level has changed. From within that range, students read books and take tests to earn points. Tests can be taken daily. Students are encouraged to score 90% correct or higher on all tests. Research has proven that this will help students improve their level of comprehension.
3-5 Reading Growth Model
Students in grades 3-5 will participate in quarterly reading celebrations and will celebrate their reading growth based on their reading levels (Fountas & Pinnell).
Incentives
Each child, with his/her teacher, will set personal goals. Students are encouraged to meet their goals. The teacher and student will generate incentives together to motivate and reward reading success.
Getting Involved
Parents are an important part of our Balanced Literacy T.E.A.M. You can help your child achieve more by doing the following:
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Know your child’s reading levels and goals.
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Ask your child questions about the books he/she reads, or have your child retell the story to you.
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Encourage your child to read daily. Keep reading time enjoyable.
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If you are reading chapter books, stop and summarize a couple of chapters at a time to help check for understanding. Reread the chapters if necessary.
Check out Mrs. Douvikas' Wiki for Parents for more information.
