New Routine: Reading Groups

The Cottontails have been gearing up to be strong readers in a variety of ways.  Below includes a list of some of the activities Cottontails participate in to become better readers everyday.

•  picture book read alouds

•  chapter book read aloud

•  Listening Center

•  Reading Partners with our 3/4 Mentors

•  Learning there are "Three Ways to Read a Book: ( 1) Pictures; 2) Words; 3) Retell)

•  Visiting Classroom Library

•  Understanding Book Care Rules

•  Reading Star of the Week's Favorite Book

•  Taking field trip to Iowa City Public Library (Don't forget! Books are due next Wednesday, October 19th)

•  Answering questions like:  Why do readers read?  What do readers read?

Next week, Kindergarteners will be taking the next step in personalizing their reading education by meeting in small guided reading groups that cater to their specific reading level and needs.  Guided Reading Groups will meet once or twice a week for 20 minutes and will focus on reading fluency, decoding, sight words, phonics, phonemic awareness, parts of speech, and comprehension.  Each student will receive their own copy of their reading group book that they will use during their group time and then will be able to take home and share with you to further their learning at home.  Ideas of how you can support your reader will be sent home periodically throughout the year.

We are very excited for this time and can't wait to create additional opportunities for our reading to flourish.

A few reading reminders...

•  Learning to read is made easy when children can read books they love.  Be sure your child brings in their favorite book to share with the class by Monday, October 17th.

•  High Five and PuzzleBuzz are great resources to grow strong readers, establish critical thinking skills, and enhance cognitive development.  Be sure to turn in your Highlights slips (there are 2 attached) by Friday, October 21st.  Remember, a yes or no answer does not matter to our class.  Simply returning the slips equates to free supplies for our classroom.  Either way, yes or no, please bring BOTH slips signed and indicating your family's intent. Need an additional copy?  I'm happy to provide another.

•  Finally, we will be making our monthly library trip (the last Wednesday of each month) to the Iowa City Public Library on Wednesday, October 26th.  Please be sure your child has their library card.