Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What is the best way to get in touch with Mrs. Diskin?
- How often will vocabulary tests be given?
- How should my child study for vocabulary tests?
- Will my child be graded on spelling the vocabulary words?
- Will there be regular spelling tests?
- How often should my child take an Accelerated Reader (A.R.) test?
- Can you tell me about the monthly reading log?
- Does my child need to study for A.R tests on library books?
- What happens when my child forgets to bring their homework?
- How can I help my child to be successful in school?
- What books can my child put on their Reading Log?
- Will my child be doing projects at home for homework?
- Can you tell me more about the two articles that must be included on the Reading Log?
- What are long and short response questions in reading comprehension, and how are they different from multiple choice?
What is the best way to get in touch with Mrs. Diskin?
Email is the best way to get in touch with Mrs. Diskin
pdiskin@dadeschools.net
How often will vocabulary tests be given?
Vocabulary words will be given on a regular basis. The words will
correspond to the literature that we are reading in class, words
that will enhance writing, and special words that will help
improve reading comprehension. Since the length of the stories we
read will vary greatly, test dates will always be announced in
advance, but should not be expected on the same day each week.
When the children receive a new list, they will also write down
the test date in their agendas.
How should my child study for vocabulary tests?
Vocabulary words will be introduced in class. They will be used
frequently by the teacher to help students understand the words
better. The children will see the words used in context and will
use the words in their writing. They should study a few words
each night by using them in sentences, making flashcards if
needed, and reviewing the meanings carefully.
Will my child be graded on spelling the vocabulary words?
My students will not be graded on spelling the vocabulary words
on the test. There will always be a word box containing all of
the words. However, I will expect my students to use their new
words daily in their writing and classwork. They should become
familiar with the correct spelling of the words so that they can
use them correctly.
Will there be regular spelling tests?
Most children can learn spelling words in order to get an
"A" on a weekly test. Unfortunately, when using the words outside
of the test, they are frequently misspelled. Spelling will be
taught in great detail during grammar lessons as well as
writing lessons on a daily basis. Rules for spelling and other
helpful hints will also be modeled by the teacher. Spelling will
be graded through student classwork in order to encourage
students to use words more carefully. If there are words that are
frequently misspelled by the class, they will become part of a
list and the students will be practice the words daily through
mini writing lessons.
How often should my child take an Accelerated Reader (A.R.) test?
Most students will be able to finish reading a library book one
week after checking it out. This would allow a student to take
about one test a week. Nonfiction books are read more quickly, so
it may be possible to take two tests a week when reading
nonfiction. Some students will read extremely long novels and
will of course have more time to enjoy the book. All students
will be encouraged to read different types of literature. I will
monitor the students' reading carefully and give them the
appropriate feedback. If they are not reading enough, parents
will be notified.
Can you tell me about the monthly reading log?
A reading log will be turned in every two months starting
September-October. The due date will appear in your child's
agenda. It will count as a reading grade. The reading
log will contain the name of each book after completion, the
genre of the book,(for example, fiction, nonfiction, realistic
fiction, poetry, etc.) and thoughts about the book. The children
should write four or more sentences sharing their thoughts
about the book. They should not write, "I like the book or it was
good." The thoughts should be more meaningful. The log can be
organized on any kind of chart. It can be neatly written or
computer generated. It can be as creative as your child wants to
make it. Decorating the Log is optional. Titles should be written
correctly using capitals. Sentences should also contain capital
letters and punctuation. This will all be discussed in class and
students will see examples given by the teacher.
Does my child need to study for A.R tests on library books?
No, children do not need to study for A.R. tests. My students
will read their book carefully. When they are ready for the test,
they will take the book with them to the computer. They may refer
to the book if needed during the test.
What happens when my child forgets to bring their homework?
Your child will fill out a "missing homework slip" when
they are missing a homework assignment. Late homework assignments
are not accepted and are recorded as a zero in the gradebook. A
homework responsibility grade will be given each nine weeks.
How can I help my child to be successful in school?
You can help your child to be successful in school by checking
their agendas daily, viewing their grades online weekly, making
sure they read for thirty minutes or more daily, and helping
them prepare for tests by reminding them to practice a little
each day.
What books can my child put on their Reading Log?
Your child can put any book they read on the log. It can be a
school library book, a book from home, or a public library book.
Also, your child may read a newspaper article, magazine article,
or poetry book. Upon completion of a book or an article, students
should record the title, genre, and thoughts about the book.
There is a sample Reading Log in your child's binder.
Will my child be doing projects at home for homework?
Projects will be completed in school. Your child will learn how
to plan for the project, organize their ideas, and manage their
time in order to complete the project by the assigned due date.
Students will learn how to cooperate in groups and share ideas
while accomplishing their learning goals. They will be able to
bring supplies from home as needed. Projects will be presented in
class upon completion.
Can you tell me more about the two articles that must be included on the Reading Log?
In addition to books, your child should read two articles.
They can find articles online by going to my Links page. They
can also find articles in the newspaper or any children's
magazine. They will record the same information on their log
for the articles and the books. They need to write the title of
the article, the genre, and their thoughts. Again, the thoughts
should be meaningful. All sentences should be complete with
proper spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
What are long and short response questions in reading comprehension, and how are they different from multiple choice?
When your child reads an article,poem, passage, or story, they
answer multiple choice, short response, and long response
questions. A multiple choice question requires your child
to bubble the correct answer. This type of question is worth one
point. A short response question requires your child to explain
their answer in writing using details and examples from the story
to support their answer.This is usually about two-four senetences.
It is worth two points.
A long response or extended response question requires your child
to explain their answer using four-six sentences. This type
of question is worth four points. There is a rubric for scoring,
and it is possible to earn partial credit for a response.
The long and short response questions are challenging. The skills
needed for this kind of thinking are being taught in the
classroom on a daily basis.
