Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students
and parents.
- What should my child be reading for the 30 minute daily reading requirement?
- What do I do if my child refuses to explore a different genre?
- Is Accelerated Reader required for your class?
- Does my student have to check out a book from the CTMS library?
- I have not seen any of my child's assignments. Where are they?
- My child went to the library and I don't approve of the selected book. Can my child get a different book?
- Do we have to order books from the flyer that was sent home?
- I have checked my student's grades via home access. What does a blank, "Exc," "M," or "Inc." mean?
What should my child be reading for the 30 minute daily reading requirement?
I encourage your child to read self-selected books. Any genre
will work, I
mainly want students to learn to read for stamina, practice,
fluency, and
the love of reading. Students may read fiction or nonfiction
books,
magazines, newspapers, graphic novels (comics), poetry.
What do I do if my child refuses to explore a different genre?
Do not worry! The course is set up for me to introduce a variety
of genres
throughout the year. My routine includes selecting and
"selling" new books
and authors as they correspond to our unit of study. Usually,
students are
open to trying out these books, especially if an author who
writes in their
favorite genre also writes books of other genres.
Is Accelerated Reader required for your class?
No. This year, students have the option to use the Accelerated
Reader program as
an incentive only. It will not be required for a grade. PTA
sets up the AR
store monthly so students may redeem their points for various
items.
Does my student have to check out a book from the CTMS library?
No. However, students are expected and required to bring an
independently selected book, magazine, or newspaper to class each
day. If you use the public library, students may bring those
books to class. If students have a personal copy of a book, they
may bring those as well.
I have not seen any of my child's assignments. Where are they?
All work is kept in the folder. Folders are kept in the
classroom. At the end of the unit, students will take their
folders home and have a conference with you about their
learning. A student reflection form will be included. Please
contact me if you would like to see your child's folder. It may
be checked out for one day and returned before school the next
morning. The folders are used in class daily.
My child went to the library and I don't approve of the selected book. Can my child get a different book?
Yes, your child may return the book to the library and check out
a new one before school or during Cougar Base. Every parent has
different rules for the reading material that is allowed in the
household, so if you are not happy with your child's self-
selected book, it may be returned.
Do we have to order books from the flyer that was sent home?
No. I offer the Scholastic book club flyers to encourage
students to read more. Books are reasonably priced and I use the
teacher bonus points to add books to my classroom library. You
do not need to order each time.
I have checked my student's grades via home access. What does a blank, "Exc," "M," or "Inc." mean?
If the grade is blank, I have only added the assignment and not
the grade. Exc. means the student has been excused from the
assignment. This is usually the case for an in-class group
activity that is difficult to make up due to an absence and will
not count against a student's average. M means the assignment is
missing and was never turned in to me and counts the grade a
zero. Inc. means the assignment has not been completed due to an
absence and must be completed.