- How do teachers determine a child's reading level?
- Do you teach phonics at Woodruff Primary?
- How can I help my child be prepared for school?
- Why is it important to offer choices to children?
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How do teachers determine a child's reading level?
In order to determine a child's instructional reading level, we administer
the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). The DRA is administered on an
individual basis. The instructional reading level is identified as 90%
accuracy on the running record with a score of 16 on the comprehension
rubric.
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Do you teach phonics at Woodruff Primary?
We spend approximately 15 minutes on explicit phonics instruction each day.
We emphasize the connection of phonics to the children's reading and writing.
Our phonics program is based upon "Phonics Lessons" by Fountas and Pinnell.
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How can I help my child be prepared for school?
Read, read, read! Reading to your child is the single, most important thing
you can do to prepare him/her for school. Make reading fun for your little
one. Hold your child close to you. Read with expression in your voice. Change
voices as different characters are speaking. Discuss the story with your
child. Ask your son or daughter what they expect to happen next in the story
(predict, infer). Make connections with previous experiences as you read
(background knowledge). Discuss how this book is similar or different from
other books (compare/contrast). Have the child retell the story. Talk about
what happened first, next, and last in the book.
Most of all...have fun with your child and books. And don't forget to visit
the library or book stores together. Make reading a treat...a time your child
looks forward to. It is a wonderful gift to give your child. He/she will reap
the rewards for a lifetime.
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Why is it important to offer choices to children?
Choices stimulate the higher centers of the brain (prefrontal lobes). It is
important to develop these areas of the brain because these areas are
responsible for problem solving. We want our children to be excellent at
problem solving. Problem solving is important in math, reading, science, and
social studies...all subjects. It is also critical for our social-emotional
development. Children must be able to solve problems during social conflicts.
