Title I Parent Information Packets Sent Home

I know Open House is a busy time, with parents running from classroom to classroom to hear the classroom presentations. If you were unable to stop by my room last night, I sent home packets of helpful Title I Reading hand-outs with your child today. I hope you find the information helpful. Please don't hesitate to call me at school if you have questions or concerns anytime throughout the school year.

I am looking forward to a great year, helping your child grow as a reader!

Jill Putala

Title I Parent Meeting for Grades 1-4 December 6th

There will be a Title I Parent Meeting Thursday, December 6th at 3:15pm in Mrs. Putala's room.

Join your child after school to share in literacy activities.

• Bring along one of your most loved children's books and read us your favorite part
• Make bookmarks together
• Visit the Book Fair in the library to pick out a new book(Each child will receive a $5 certificate)
• Parents will go home with helpful reading hand-outs
• I will be available to answer any reading questions you might have

I look forward to seeing you and your child on December 6th.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Putala

Why So Much Emphasis on Reading?

Many elementary teachers will assign as daily homework that students read every night for a certain amount of time.  Many English teachers at the secondary level will require students to do some independent reading as part of their homework.  Summer reading is now required at most schools for all students.  Why such an emphasis on time on reading?

Reading has a tremendous impact overall on all students' academics.  Children who read more do better in school not only in subjects like English and history but also math and science.  The main way we gain knowledge about topics and the world is through reading.  The cliche, "Reading opens up new worlds," is actually true.  The knowledge offered by reading is unlimited.  Children may also develop new interests and hobbies as they read.

Reading is exercise for the brain.  Reading improves memory.  As we read, we are thinking and building more connections within the brain.

Students who read more have larger vocabularies.  Being exposed to more books means you have the opportunity to see more words.  Many of the words in the books children read are words we are not likely to use in our everyday vocabulary.  A stronger vocabulary translates into students being a better writer, speaker, and communicator.  

Students learn about language as they read.  While reading, they will see grammar in action and learn how grammar works.  Reading can even impact students' spelling skills.

Reading increases children's attention.  Children have to sit and concentrate on the task of reading or being read to.  Over time, as they strengthen their own ability to read, they are able to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Reading can improve children's social skills.  Reading with your child, young or old, can be a great time to connect as a family and talk and share stories with each other.

Students who read more are also better writers.  Readers have the opportunity to see great writing in action.  Students who read start to transfer much of wheat they see other writer's do to their own wriitng.

Now that you are convinced, grab a book this evening and start reading with your child!  It is never too early to start, and it is never to late.  Babies benefit from reading.  The above benefits also go for adults as well.

Written by Margaret Adams, Director of Language and Literacy

Welcome to Open House

Welcome parents, grandparents, and friends to Open House.  Title I Reading and Essential Skills Math support are in full swing.  In math, most classes are nearing the end of unit one.  In reading, there are several reading interventions being used to supplement your child's classroom instruction such as Fundations,
My Sidewalks, and Soar to Success.  I am looking forward to a GREAT year of learning!!  

First Grade Reader's Theater

First grade students completed a Reader's Theater of the poem "Metamorphosis."  First, they used Garage Band to create a podcast where they recorded the audio.  Next, they created illustrations to go along with the poem, which were scanned into iPhoto, and then added to the podcast.  Finally, the podcast was uploaded to my blog as video.  Hope you enjoy it!  I am very proud of these first grade students!

Title I Parent Meeting Coming Soon

On Friday, May 27th, there will be a Title I Parent Meeting at Swift River School to discuss ways to keep your child reading and writing over the summer.  Research states that children who continue to read and write over the summer maintain or even increase their skills.  The meeting will take place in my classroom from 8:30-9:15. Your child will be bringing home an invitation.  Please fill out the bottom and send back to school with your child to let me know if you will or will not be attending.  Hope to see you all the end of the month! I enjoy working with your child! 

Our Names In Egyptian Hieroglyphics

After reading the stories, "Seeker of Knowledge" and "The Rosetta Stone", fourth grade students wrote their names in Hieroglyphics.