Westwood Title I Newsletter
February 2017
Sharing Wordless Picture Books
From: Reading Rockets
• Recognize that there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to read a wordless book. One of the wonderful benefits of using wordless books is how each child creates his own story (or stories!) from the same pictures.
• Spend time looking at the cover and talking about the book’s title. Based on those two things, make a few predictions about the story.
• Take a “picture walk” through the pages of the book. Enjoy the illustrations, which are often rich with detail. Look carefully at the expressions on characters’ faces, the setting and the use of color. Talk to each other about what you see. These conversations will enrich the storytelling.
• Enjoy the pictures and point out a few things, but don’t worry too much about telling a story yet. Just enjoy the pictures and get a sense of what the book is about.
• Go back through the book a second time and get ready for some great storytelling! Consider going first and acting as a model for your child. Ham it up! Have characters use different voices, add sound effects and use interesting words in your version of the book.
• Encourage your child to “read” you the book with his story. Focus on the words your child uses when he tells the story. Help your child expand his sentences or thoughts by encouraging him to add information from the illustration’s details. One way to encourage more details is by asking “W” questions: Who? Where? When? Why?
• Finish your wordless book sharing by asking a few simple questions: What pictures helped you tell the story? What was your favorite part of your story? Have you had an experience like the one in your story?
Sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills, including listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension — and an increased awareness of how stories are “built,” as the storyteller often uses a beginning, middle, end format. For a book with few words, you’ll be surprised at all the talking you will do, and all the fun you’ll have!
Reading and Writing At Home
Click on the link below for a list of ways to support your child with reading and writing at home.
Favorite Wordless Picture Books
The Girl and the Bicycle
A wordless picture book in which a girl sees a bicycle she wants to buy, works hard for a kindly neighbor to earn the money for it, then gets a pleasant surprise.
Chalk
A wordless picture book about three children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk, and draw pictures that come to life.
Float
A wordless picture book about a boy who loses his paper boat in the rain.
Featured Books of the Month
The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
Growing up in the segregated town of Clarksville, Tennessee, in the 1960s, Alta's family cannot afford to buy her new sneakers--but she still plans to attend the parade celebrating her hero Wilma Rudolph's three Olympic gold medals.
Dragons Love Tacos
Explore the love dragons have for tacos, and the dangers of feeding them anything with spicy salsa.
Freedom In Congo Square
Favorite Websites
Seussville
Building Language for Literacy
Funbrain
Family Literacy Night Photos
Your Title I Teachers
Mrs. Leisgang Title I Reading Teacher
Email: nleisgang@wdpsd.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/wdpsd.com/westwood/teachers/nleisgang
Phone: 920-337-1087 (1352)
Mrs. Pawelczyk Title I Reading Teacher
Email: npawelczyk@wdpsd.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/wdpsd.com/westwood/teachers/npawelczyk
Phone: 920-337-1087 (1385)
Mrs. Susie Zimmerman Title I Reading
Email: szimmerman@wdpsd.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/wdpsd.com/westwood/teachers/szimmerman
Phone: 920-337-1087 (1309)
Mrs. Gossen Title I Math
Email: pgossen@wdpsd.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/wdpsd.com/hemlock/teachers/pgossen
Phone: 920-337-1087 (1376)
Noodles and Numbers
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2017, 05:30 PM
Westwood Elementary School, Westwood Drive, De Pere, WI, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Read Across America Week! February 27th - March 3rd
Monday, February 27: Wear Red, White & Black
Tuesday, February 28: Wear your best crazy socks
Wednesday, March 1: Wacky Wednesday
Thursday, March 2: Book Character Dress Up Day
Friday, March 3: Pajama Day