HOMEWORK

Students will be working on fluency - this is the effortlessness of reading aloud. Each week, they will be given a passage to practice.  Students also memorize a POEM every term. 

POETRY DUE DATES:
  • Term 1: September 27th
  • Term 2: November 8th
  • Term 3: December 13th
  • Term 4: February 7th
  • Term 5: March 21st
  • Term 6: May 9th
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Every night, have your child read their fluency passage OUT LOUD and practice memorizing their poem. Then, spend the rest of the time (at least 10 minutes total every night, Monday through Thursday) enjoying a chapter book of their choice. 


​Research shows the best way to improve fluency (the rate and effortlessness of reading) is to practice DYAD READING:
- One book - Share the same book
- Two voices - The stronger reader should read a little louder at a "regular pace"
- One smooth finger - The stronger reader shows where you are
- Discuss "crazy" words that are difficult to understand 
- Have fun!!

THE BIGGEST READER

All students are encouraged to track the books they read this year! Students will be given a tracking sheet to keep in their homework folder. Every time a student finishes reading a book, they record the title (and author if you know it) on their sheet. We will also track the books in our classroom on our "biggest reader bookshelves." We encourage students to explore books from all different genres- mystery, nonfiction, historical fiction, biographies, realistic fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, adventure books, and more!
Ready for the challenge???
READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ALL YEAR LONG! 
We will celebrate every student who reads at least 25 chapter books-- but the SKY is the LIMIT!

Can YOU be the BIGGEST READER this year?! 
Because we understand that not all books are created equal, we separate the books by pages. Every 200 pages equals another book read. So, if you read Harry Potter 7, which has 607 pages, it is worth 3 books. And if you read a book from the "A to Z mystery" series, which has 98 pages, it would be worth 1 book. Graphic novels are always worth 1 book, regardless of pages. GOOD LUCK & HAPPY READING!!

POETRY

All students will memorize one poem each term.
WHY DO WE MEMORIZE POEMS?
- improves confidence
- strengthens memorization skills
- exposes students to some of the finest selections in literature
- develops oral modeling and public speaking skills
WHICH POEM SHOULD I CHOOSE?
​Find a poem appropriate for your skill level, but allows you to stretch and grow.
Like goldilocks, don't pick a poem that is too easy, or too hard, but just right for you.
HOW DO I MEMORIZE IT?
​- Reading your poem daily.
- Keeping your poem in a sheet protector and crossing out words with a dry erase marker as you learn it.
- Writing out or typing your poem.
- Thinking of pictures in your head as you go.
- Repeating difficult lines over and over or in a specific rhythm (including transitions between lines).
​- Using props and animation

GRADING:

​Poem grades account for 10% of the reading grade.
  • In order to earn an A, students should be prepared with extra animation or enthusiasm involving: props, actions, or expression throughout their poem. Props should be created as quality works which show forth effort and planning.
  • A note about being on time-- poems are usually recited during our reading time in the afternoon. Every student will receive an opportunity to recite their poem the day they are due. Students must recite their poem during the appointed time to receive full credit. Students will receive the poems well in advance with several weeks to prepare. Please use your time wisely.