READING

I use a combination of many things when it comes to reading. Of most importance, is that each one of my students will be reading books that are at his/her reading level capabilities. Vinal has a brand new Literacy Closet with all different leveled books so that each child is being challenged at a reading level which is individualized to him/her. The reading levels for each individual student are measured by a student’s results on assessment pieces known as Running Records and Developmental Reading Assessment. These assessment pieces measure a student’s phonemic awareness, comprehension of what they are reading and their knowledge of high frequency words. I will be meeting with students independently throughout the year assessing their reading and working on skills they need in order to become better readers. The basil books, or the hard cover books with many stories in them, will still be used once a week. These stories are a great resource and fit in with many important themes and genres. I am more than happy to meet with any of you to discuss the reading program.

As part of a balanced literacy program (reading, writing and word study), the specific reading program used is called Guided Reading. Within Guided Reading, the teacher works using instructional level texts with a small group of students (1 - 6) who have similar reading behaviors and needs. The groups must be fluid, flexible and dynamic. As students achieve to higher reading levels, Literature Circles may be conducted. The benefits of Literature Circles include opportunities for application of strategies at the instructional level, challenges to increase proficiency, attention to text and scaffolded support. Included is independent reading time. The students read on their own using materials that have been practiced. The benefits include independent application of strategies, sustained practice, improved fluency, building confidence, focused reading and self-selection of materials.

Reading and Literature Strands Covered in Third Grade

* Students will understand the nature of English and the relationship of letters and spelling patterns in sounds of speech.

* Students will identify the basic facts and main ideas in a text and use them as the basis for interpretation.

* Students will deepen their understanding of a literary or non-literary work by relating it to its contemporary context or historical background.

* Students will identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the characteristics of different genres (poetry, prose, fiction and non-fiction).

* Students will identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of theme in a literary work and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding. (Theme refers to the main idea and the meaning of the selection in grades K-4.)

* Students will identify and analyze how an author's words appeal to the senses, create imagery, suggest mood and set tone and provide evidence from the text to support understanding.

* Students will identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of themes, structure, and elements of myths, traditional narratives, and classical literature and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding.

* Students will identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of themes, structure and elements of drama and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding.

* Students will plan and present dramatic readings, recitations and performances that demonstrate appropriate consideration of audience and purpose.

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