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October 2023
Thanks for reading Elizabeth Haddon's first Reading & Writing newsletter of the 2023-2024 school year! Each month I hope to provide families with monthly tips and strategies for raising strong readers and writers. I also plan to share some of my favorite read-aloud stories and podcasts that I think your family would enjoy. Happy reading! ~ Mrs. Grimenstein
Literacy Article of the Month
Helping Readers at Home
Decoding Strategies: K-2- Free Printable Bookmark
When beginning readers get stuck on a word we want them to try to sound it out first then check to make sure it is correct. This free printable bookmark from IMSE is a helpful tool to guide readers in sounding out a tricky word. We know that not all words can be sounded out, but this one of the many tools readers can use to help themselves. https://imse.com/
Read Together: Hispanic Heritage Month
Island Born by Junot Diaz
Summary from the publisher:
When Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can’t remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island. As she draws closer to the heart of her family’s story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela’s words: “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”
Questions to Discuss After Reading
How does Lola feel when she can’t remember the country she came from? How does she learn more about it?
What do Lola’s friends and family tell her about the country she came from?
What are the good and bad memories that they share? What might the bad memory represent?
Listen Together: Podcasts for Kids and Families
Check out Smash Boom Best- it's one of my family's favorite podcasts!
Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case -- teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.
Local Events & Activities
Connect With Me
Molly Grimenstein, Language Arts Specialist
Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School
Haddonfield, NJ
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or innovative ideas!