We keep busy writing every day. The program we use is called Write Tools and one of the skills we learn is Summary Writing.  After reading a book, we decide what the "Big Picture" of our book is and then back it up with the details and write or draw them as "jot dots."

We also write "picture-painting" sentences. The idea is to create an explanatory sentence about a drawing or picture using words that paint a picture in our minds.

Another skill we want to learn is editing. First graders sing "My Sentence Needs a Check," as outlined in the Write Tools program. Here it is performed for you by Alex, J'onna, Martial and Cole.

Fall Conferences

October 25 and 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. are Corse conference days. Am looking forward to meeting parents so we can share information about your child's reading. Parents, your support and encouragement is key  to helping your child become proficient in reading.

If your student comes home talking about the math game with an avatar where they learn addition and subtraction or multiplication click on this link called BigBrainz and you can find out how to download it at home. It's free. Contact me for the password.

Mensa for Kids has some games your math enthusiast might like to try like Minus Mission, Alien Addition, Demolition Division or Meteor Multiplication. Click on Mensa for the link. Try the "Games and Activities" icon.

Catch the new Link to Reading called PBS Kid's Island. Click on Stories and Reading Activities. Readers can "listen and read" along with the highlighted text.  This is a good way to build fluency.

Bruce Lansky the "king of giggle poetry" is coming to our school on November 5. Elementary schools are also hosting an author night that same evening. Watch for the flyer from school. If you'd like to take a look at his website click on his name.

We started our Book Bag Reading recently. Almost all students have signed up. Several are reading enthusiastically to get the weekly prize. Each reader's goal is to read at least three books every week. Congratulations to Alanah and Samera for attaining that goal the first week.

DON'T LET YOUR RELUCTANT READERS FALL FURTHER BEHIND...Here are some strategies that may hook them into reading:

    

Start with your child's passions. When kids own the choice of what they will read, motivation increases.

Make reading a social experience. Your child may not enjoy reading alone but will enjoy reading with a parent, siblings, friends.

Read aloud to your child. Doing so throughout the elementary grades improves listening skills, builds comprehension, lengthens attention span and grows the imagination.

Use new technology. Children who don't find books interesting may find it cool reading the same texts on smart phones, computers and electronic readers.

Be a role model. Let your kids see you reading and discussing what you've read.

Camouflage reading. Incorporate it into other pastimes like reading menus at restaurants, the directions to board games, or looking at websites.

Make sure the books your child reads are  a"good fit." Many don't want to read because the books are too difficult and frustrating. Good fit books are those which students can read fluently with 95% accuracy. Too many difficult words leads to discouragement.