Iron Horse Literacy
Reading Recovery
Resources for Parents
In your child's book bag, I made a packet called "Ideas and Resources to Foster Daily Reading Habits". When looking for ways to enhance literacy, remember ANY literacy activity (when done consistently) will help your child grow. In this packet you will find:
- websites:
- Raz-Kids - find books at your child's reading level (your child's password is here)
- Tumble books - a free resource of e-books through the Douglas County Library
- Story Line Online - a great website to listen to stories, read by famous actors
- Sight word lists
- Make your own flash cards for practice.
- Ideas to make learning and practicing fun and engaging
- Handwriting formation reference
- Practicing hand writing in the proper formation helps kids write faster, more legibly, and helps get correct reversals like b/d, p/q, etc
Making Words
One of our word study activities is 'Making Words'. Using magnetic letters, the student makes a word by listening for the sounds. Then they make a new word by changing only the new sounds they hear. For example, I might say: Make the word can. Say it slowly. Now change can to man. What do you hear that is the same? What do you see that stayed the same?
Collaboration - Responsibiity
Students are responsible for doing their 'job' at home. And what is the job of a first grader? READ EVERY DAY! Any form of reading 'counts': The child reads to you, you read to your child, share reading together. Other ways include any literacy activity such as a sight word game, writing stories and messages, listen to recorded reading.
Trace-erase on ipad
Here is one of the ways students practice a sight word: The student writes a word on a dry erase board or i-pad. Then the child erases each letter while tracing with their finger (using proper letter formation - top to bottom, left to right). This teaches students a way to remember words and its fun! You child can do this at home using a dry erase board and marker or using the app 'Chalkboard'.
Please come and watch a lesson
Parents find that watching a lesson helps them understand why we do what we do. You can gain tremendous insights about how your child learns. Please contact me to schedule a time for you to watch a lesson. If your schedule does not allow for you to come during the school day, I would be happy to come to your home for a lesson.
About me
I have been teaching Reading Recovery in Douglas County since 2009. I love working with young children to help them overcome reading difficulties. Beyond teaching, I enjoy skiing (downhill and cross country), hiking, travel, a beach vacation with a long book and I am learning to play golf. I live with my family in Castle Rock, CO.
Email: kari.dunn@dcsdk12.org
Location: Iron Horse Elementary School
Growth with Reading Recovery
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