Mrs. Lahr's Classroom News
January 2016
Language Arts
According to the Educational Testing Services:
Students who do more reading at home are better readers and have higher math scores.
According to U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2000:
- "The substantial relationship between parent involvement for the school and reading comprehension levels of fourth-grade classrooms is obvious, according to the U.S. Department of Education.7 Where parent involvement is low, the classroom mean average (reading score) is 46 points below the national average. Where involvement is high, classrooms score 28 points above the national average - a gap of 74 points. Even after controlling for other attributes of communities, schools, principals, classes, and students, that might confound this relationship, the gap is 44 points."
- This is a statistical analysis of fourth grade students and parent involvement, but the same can be said for beginning readers. Beginning readers who practice at home develop stronger reading skills.
- According to the National Education Association:
- "Having kids read a lot is one of the crucial components of becoming a good reader. Young readers need to become practiced at recognizing letters, sounds, and high frequency words. The only way to get good at it is to practice."4
Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the school day to get the amount of practice each child needs. That's where you parents come in! Listening to your child read level-appropriate books for just 20 minutes per day seems to make a big difference for early readers.
So what can you do to expose your child to level-appropriate reading materials each night?
There are several resources available to you:
- RAZ Kids: Every child in our classroom has access to a RAZ Kids online account https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login
- La Crescent Public Library: Our local library has a variety of leveled readers that are available for checkout.
- Classroom library: Leveled books may be checked out from my classroom library.
- Other free online sources (I've included resources up to the fourth grade level for our students who are reading beyond grade level:
On level sources: https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/reading/storytown/na/gr1/readers_9780153598579_/index_gr1_2.html
Advanced readers :
Advanced readers 3rd grade: https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/reading/storytown/na/gr3/readers_9780153598593_/index_gr3_2.html
Advanced readers 4th grade: https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/reading/storytown/na/gr4/readers_9780153598609_/index_gr4_2.html
Math
We started a new unit on measurement. The students have learned the difference between height and length. They have begun to understand units of measurement and that objects can be measured with many different kinds of units (i.e. measuring an object with paperclips). The children have learned that when measuring an object, it must be measured from end to end. We have also explored how to compare the length and height of objects (ie. short, shorter, shortest). Next week we will introduce measurement with rulers (inches and centimeters).
Science and Social Studies
Upcoming
Bringing Books to Life will be held on Thursday, April 7 from 4-7 p.m. During the school day, children and staff will be gearing up for the evening by dressing up like their favorite storybook character. We had some great costumes last year! Ask your child to begin thinking about the character he/she would like to dress as, and plan accordingly. Our PTO will also be organizing a chicken-Q again this year, so spread the word! More info to come.
Medical Leave I will be on medical leave beginning Friday, April 8 until the end of the school year. A long-term substitute will be hired to take my position during my leave. Interviews will begin in early March. I will keep you informed of this process.