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Dear Parents,

This year our library media program is supporting our classroom efforts to encourage students to choose "just right books". Both in the class and in the library we have gone over the importance of reading books that we are able to use for Daily Five by incorporating a 5 Finger Test:

1. When the child misses the first word, hold up your thumb, and say, “You know all but one word! I knew this book would be easy for you.”

2. After the second missed word, hold up your thumb and forefinger in an L shape, and say, “‘L’ stands for learning. This book will be a good learning book for you.”

3. After the third missed word, hold up three fingers and say, “‘W’ stands for ‘warning.’ This book may frustrate you, and you may not enjoy it.”

4-5. With the fourth or fifth missed word, represented by the same number of fingers, you can advise the child to stop and explain, “This means ‘stop.’ It’s time to find another book that you’ll be able to enjoy all by yourself.”

Helping students avoid frustration will enhance reading practice at home.

Also this year our students will be taking home Non Fiction books as well as Fiction books to promote exposure to both types of literature. They are learning the difference between the two, the exceptions to the non-fiction rules, and will be able to use them as models for their own writing as we continue to grow in our writing abilities. Additionally, Common Core State Standards strongly encourages the use of non-fiction in reading to promote the development of our 21st Century Learners.

The mission of the Library Media Program is to create an environment with a robust collection of literature and technology, incorporating the tools and skills necessary to assess, use, and create in multiple formats, and applying the information learned for further growth and development.

Things to ask your child at home:

What’s the 5 Finger Test? Above

How can you tell if a book is fiction or non-fiction? Dewey Call Number on the Spine Label

Are all non-fiction books true? No, there are several exceptions like myths, folklore, and fairy tales. Dewey wanted to preserve the oral history of these tales. Also books that are retelling movies, music, jokes, and poems all have Dewey Numbers.

 

The students are absorbing so much information right now and are on their way to becoming stellar researchers.

 

Thank you for your support at home. We appreciate you!

 

The First Grade and Library Team