Sunday, September 11, 2011

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” -Confucius

Each morning students are given 25 minutes to read, this time is called Drop Everything And Read, otherwise known as D.E.A.R. Time.  Students read a novel of their choice and have a few moments to reflect on what they’ve read and log their observations.  This is a valuable time for students to grow their reading skills, however for students to improve their reading as efficiently and effectively as possible they need to read 45-60 minutes each day. 

Because of this students will be required to read an additional 20 minutes a day at home.  Students will be sent home with a reading log which tracks two weeks’ worth of reading.  Every week day students should log at least 20 minutes of reading and summarize their reading. Parents or guardians must sign this log for students to receive credit.  Each day of reading is worth two points, so every two weeks students can earn 20 points.

Students may read novels, magazines, or comic books.  Reading aloud to a younger sibling or reading with a partner also counts. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the materials read with students and to ask questions to help build comprehension.  Yes or no questions should be avoided, instead, ask questions such as: What did you learn or read about?
What do you think will happen next?
Describe the protagonist.
What is the conflict? 
What about this book reminds you of things you’ve witnessed or experienced?

If you think your child is having difficulty with their texts please let me know and I will be happy to conference with him or her and make a new reading recommendation if necessary.
Happy reading!

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