Reading Log-a reading log will be sent home every Friday and expected to be filled out throughout the week and returned the following Friday. Although, I expect students to be reading every night (practice makes perfect) I am only requiring students to report 4 nights of reading. We start out the year reading for 10 minutes but as the year progresses the time will increase to 20 minutes of reading and activities related to our phonics program will be included in the reading log. If it’s tough for your first grader to read for 10-20 minutes you are more than welcome to read to them part of the time. As you read point out words, ask questions and model the reading strategy skills we are going over in class.
Weekly Spelling
Spelling Test-These will be given weekly. I have designed our Spelling Tests to go along with our phonics program. The target concept we will be learning in class each week in Fundations will directly correlate with the spelling words. I will also post the words on the classroom website if you lose your list of words. For fun, I have included in your packet a list of activities you can do at home that might make practicing the words more enjoyable.
Book Bags
Book Bags-Once a week, your First Grader will bring a practice book home with them in their “Book Bags.” By providing books to take home that they can read to you, students will boost their literacy skills. Also, it is very important for children to share their new reading skills with their family: this builds skill and confidence. I will not send home the book bags until I know their reading level and that will be after Curriculum Night September 16th.
Fundations
Fundations-I will be sending home information in your Friday Folder concerning Fundations Homework requirements.