Our Classroom Reading Program
Independent Reading/Silent Reading
Reading experiences are incorporated into each of our projects. During the various steps of each project, students are given direct instruction in comprehension skills, exposure to nonfiction passages, and opportunities to read and interpret classic literature. By incorporating instruction of reading skills in our interdisciplinary projects, students acquire reading skills in authentic contexts.
We have included a "Read Aloud" time in our classroom schedule. We believe that gathering together and listening to wonderful literature has a positive impact on our students' overall academic achievement, reading skills, and interest in reading. We will also be using Read Aloud time as an opportunity to demonstrate thinking skills used during critical reading, a way to expose children to books from various genres, and much more....
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During Independent Reading, our team will be reading, reflecting upon, and sharing literature individually, with peers, and with teachers. This will be accomplished through personalized reading reflections journals, peer interviews and student-teacher conferences. Each student will keep track of his/her reading progress. Your child will record their books on their book log and fill out a book summary form/log for each book read.
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In order for reading to become a lifelong habit and a deeply owned skill, it has to be voluntary and anchored in feelings of pleasure. Literature circles are a step in this direction. Literature circles allow for students to make their own literature choices, raise their own questions, do the talking, and make their own meaning of the books they read. Through literature circles, the students will be encouraged to consider other interpretations, see beyond their own meaning, sort out beliefs, and get to know their team members on a deeper level. This is a powerful way to engage students in reading and give value to their voice and choice in our student-centered classroom.During each new project, our team will form new literature circle groups around a variety of project related novels. During literature circle time, each student will bring in two items: the book their "circle" is reading and their completed novel study guide. You can help your child by reading the novel together at home, checking the assignment calendar for novel study assignments, and by proofreading their work.
Given the wide range of reading levels and maturity of our team, we end up forming three literature groups during each project. Our reading specialist works with students who need specialized reading instruction. Kelly and I split the rest of the team based on which novels the students choose to read. If you are unsure of your child's literature placement, feel free to contact us for more information.
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Each student will present several "Book Reports " during the year. I will usually select a genre and then let the students pick a book that is at their reading level. Guidelines for the various book talks will change throughout the year. Check the literature links on our home page and/or the assignment calendar to check for more information about due dates and guidelines. Since these projects are completed outside of school, your assistance in helping your child read and complete the project is welcome.
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