Vol. 2 Issue 7

Red Folders: Data 

Several items were included in today’s red folders. 

STAR Reports Reading: A parent letter and diagnostic report were included in today’s red folder. Please pay close attention to the following items found in each:

Grade equivalent (GE) is a norm-referenced score that represents how a student’s test performance compares with other students nationally. For example, a fifth-grade student with a GE score of 7.6 performed as well as a typical seventh-grader after the sixth month of the school year. This score doesn’t necessarily mean that the student is capable of reading seventh-grade material—it only indicates that the student’s reading skills are well above average for the fifth grade. 

Zone of proximal development (ZPD) is a range of readability levels from which a student should select books to read. It is a range that is neither too hard nor too easy, within which students can experience optimal growth. Students’ individual ZPDs are reported on the STAR Reading Diagnostic, Parent, Reading Range, and Summary reports. Remember that ZPDs are approximate and professional judgment should be used to adjust the range to fit the ability level of each student. This will be used when students check out books from our media center. It can also be used when selecting books at your local library (or book store). 

Weekly Assessments: 

Reading Assessment (I Can, Can You?) this is a reading comprehension test for last week’s story. Students had opportunities to read the text (small group, whole group, independently). The students could receive a total of 5 points on last week’s assessment. 

English Language Arts/ Reading Comprehension Quiz (CRCT Format) is a test that students take weekly. This will assess the ability of the student to read and comprehend a short passage independently. Students are also assessed on grammar, phonics, phonemic awareness, etc. To make a connection between test items and skills assessed, please use the guide located on the back of the final sheet of the assessment.

Skills listed here.

For items 9 & 10, please refer to the teacher directions located on the lower section of the cover page of the assessment.

Additional Notes: STAR Math Diagnostic Testing is still in progress. When all students have completed STAR Math, I will send home reports in red folders. Our Unit 1 assessment for Everyday Math will be completed on Thursday 8/30. Expect results on Friday or Early next week in read folders. 

Wish List Item:

One Year Subscription: Family BrainPOP Jr., $85 

Ideal for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade, BrainPOP Jr. offers standards-aligned movies, quizzes, games, and activities covering Science, Reading & Writing, Math, Health, Social Studies, and Arts & Technology. It encourages young learners to ask questions and form their own ideas. All text is read aloud to facilitate comprehension. If you are are able to donate, please send an email to the entire group to avoid duplicate subscriptions. To learn more click here.

Vol. 2 Issue 3

Number Talks:

We have Number Talks every morning to start our day (morning meeting). Today, our investigation focused on the number 6. I asked students to generate number sentences ( + tally marks) that = 6. This is not a competitive activity. The differentiation is built-in. They generate sentences based on their comfort level/level of understanding. As students share and learn new strategies, they challenge themselves during future Number Talks. The picture above reflects last Friday's investigation (# 5). To read more about Number Talks, click here.

Reminder:
Our annual SRS First Grade Orientation, to be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 @ 6:00pm (PARENTS ONLY). The program will begin in the auditorium with a welcome from administration and grade level chair and conclude with an information session in our classroom.

Wish List:

Thanks to the many families who volunteered to purchase items from our classroom wish list. Thanks to you, we're off to a great start. We do have 2 remaining Items remaining if you are able to help:
1) Sticky Note Chart Paper (3M usually makes this. If you'd like to wait until Thursday night to see a sample, just let me know.
2) HP 920 Ink Cartridges (Black and Color). This will be used in the classroom printer for instructional purposes only.
3) Jump Ropes: The PTA has generously donated a set of sports equipment for students to use during recess. Included in the bag was one jump rope, but students could use more. 3-5 jump ropes will help to complete a class set (Including one extra long rope for group jumping).

Reading Logs:



We will begin using reading logs on Monday, August 20. Research has shown that the best way to improve reading skills is simply to READ more! Please make sure your child reads a total of at least 100 minutes a week at home. You can divide this into five 20-minute sessions, four 25-minute sessions, or whatever works for your family. After each reading session, have your child complete one line of the reading log (new copies will be sent home each Monday). When he/she has accumulated 100 minutes of reading time, him/her them turn the form via our red homework folder. I will give out the weekly forms each Monday, and I need them turned in no later than the following Monday morning. You may have your child read independently, or you may read aloud to your child. Some children enjoy taking turns reading aloud with a parent. You can even include time that your child reads to a younger brother or sister! Check the homework tab for weekly questions to ask your children as they read (no written answers – this gives them additional practice asking these questions orally).

Vol. 1 Issue 47

Scholastic Book Fair:

Grandparent's Day-March 23rd (school-wide)

Preview: March 21st (our class)

Purchase: March 27th (our class)

Mystery Reader: Rachel Thomas

Jack's mom read Sweet Land of Liberty, Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe, and Hooray for St. Patrick's Day.

Grandparent's Day: Friday, March 23, 2013

If your child's grandparent, aunt, uncle, or special friend will be in attendance next Friday, please reply to this post by listing your child's name, relative (or special friend's name), and relationship. Students will be working on something next week to present to their special guests and I wouldn't any guest to be omitted. If you did not receive the Grandparent's Day flyer earlier this week, please let me know and I will send you a copy.

Reading Logs: 4th Quarter

Thanks for submitting reading logs weekly as evidence that your child is reading at least 20 minutes at home every evening. Please continue to ensure your child is reading at home daily. During the 4th quarter, you will no longer need to submit evidence of your child's reading away from school. Thanks so much for consistently tracking your child's reading this year.