Reading

Reading is definitely a priority in our classroom! Stories and skills are covered from the **//Signature// Reading** **Series**. Take-Home books are sent home that correlate with the themes and vocabulary words in this reading series. Please listen to your child read each story at least two times, sign the back of the book, and return the book to school.

In addition to reading stories from the //Signature// Reading Series, the students will also read leveled books throughout the year. Time spent reading from these leveled readers will be referred to as **Guided Reading**. During Guided Reading, the students will read the assigned pages of their books, write in their reading journals, and meet with the teacher and other classmates to discuss the section read.

Every day, the students are given **DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read)**. During DEAR, the students have the opportunity to read books of their choice. Bean bag chairs, camping chairs, and carpet squares make reading during DEAR time a cozy and relaxing experience. Because reading is so important, students are expected to read at home for at least 10-15 minutes every night. It is also essential for parents/guardians to read to their child every day as well. You will be asked to sign your child’s Reminder Sheet (sent home every day), verifying what book he/she read. Students are expected to read for the **Accelerated Reading Program**. Students may take AR tests on: 1) books read during Guided Reading, DEAR, and at home 2) books read __to__ them during storytime and at home

Throughout the year, the students will keep track of points earned on a chart. Parents can monitor their child's progress by accessing the **AR Home Connect Site**. Each student's username and password is the same as that used at school when taking an AR test. (These usernames/passwords have been sent home with your child.)


 * Research shows that the more you read, the better you read. ** ** Please help your child on his/her journey to becoming a proficient reader and establishing a lifelong interest in reading. J **