Welcome to First Grade Reading! 

 

    This school year will be one of the most incredible years your child will have in his/her school career!  First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning.  This is a year of important transitions, as well as one in which acquiring new skills is accelerated in reading and writing.

 

     Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain priority in my first-grade reading class.  Here are a few ways you can help:

 

• Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem.  This will keep your child  enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!

 

• Read to and with your child every day.  The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom.  Plan to spend at least 15 minutes each day- the rewards are priceless. Asking your child to retell what they read will help build comprehension skills ("Who are the main characters?  When and where does the story take place (setting)?  Is this story fiction or nonfiction and how do you know?  Is there a problem in the story?  How is the problem solved? Did you enjoy this story?  Why or why not?")  

 

• We will be using the RAP Strategy this school year! What is the RAP Strategy? The RAP Strategy acts as a guide in answering questions related to a story and/or topic (The strategy may be used in all other subject areas as well!). The RAP Strategy (Restate the Question/ Answer all Parts- for multiple parts to a question/ and Prove your Answer -including the page number where the answer is found) will build success for your child when answering questions. We will practice this strategy daily in our class, and it will be encouraged to practice at home as well.  Further information on how you can help your child use the RAP Strategy to answer questions will be sent home soon! The students enjoy using the RAP Strategy and also love to share the RAP Strategy song with family so be sure to ask them to sing it to you!

 

• Please do not hesitate to e-mail/call me with ANY questions or concerns!

 

Reading Information:

 

   Your child will receive a GREEN folder for Reading. The Reading folder should be taken home each evening.  Please review contents of the folder with your child EVERY night,  allow your child to write the answer to the question INDEPENDENTLY, sign upon completion, and return the next school day with completed assignments in the folder.  A focus on building strength in fluency, comprehension, and writing skills will be reflected in your child's reading homework each evening. 

 

     It is very important for your child to review and complete homework reading assignments every night.  As your child completes homework, he/she is reinforcing daily taught skills that are key to your child's reading success.  

 

 

    Here's to a VERY rewarding school year!