UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Reading : Students in grades 3-5 participate in a Guided Reading Program that teaches the Lucy Calkins units of study using a
Reader’s Workshop model (video). Three different approaches are used: shared reading, guided reading and independent reading. In Shared Reading, the teacher models comprehension strategies to the whole group using a variety of short texts. In Guided Reading, students practice comprehension strategies through discussions and writing in small groups. In these small groups, texts are used that are at students’ instructional reading levelComprehension is assessed through written assignments that include providing evidence from the text. Finally, in Independent Reading, students practice and demonstrate their independent use of the strategies with a book, journal or magazine of their choice.They will read independently every day, log their efforts, and write reading response letters as assigned. Teachers will conference with individuals about their independent reading.
In the beginning of the school year, we will assess your child to determine their Guided Reading level. In the beginning of the year, level S is on grade level. In the winter, level U is on grade level, and in June it's level V. This is different from what your child is used to. Historically, Arlington has used the DRA system to test fluency and a few years ago they added iReady for comprehension assessments. The Teacher's College of Reading & Writing determines just right books for children based on their fluency and comprehension. We piloted this in 2018-2019 and learned that students who read at their level and with stamina can improve their reading to jump to other levels during the year. This assessment measures the student’s ability to read fluently with expression. It also assesses a variety of comprehension tasks including summarizing and answering literal, reflective, and inferential questions. Based on the assessment results, students are placed into small reading groups based on their current reading ability. Each group uses an instructional text that is at the reading level of the members of the group. Assessment of reading skills will be ongoing through the year and the composition of the reading groups will likely change over time.
Over the course of the year, students will need to read a variety of genres, including non-fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, traditional literature, poetry, and biography. Through units of study in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Informational, students will explore a variety of text structures (compare/contrast, and cause/effect) , literary elements (such as characterization, plot, setting, problem/conflict, theme), and points of view. They will be required to provide evidence to support their arguments in writing and in presentations.
Definitions
ELA Links:
Figuring out a book's level using Book Wizard
List of leveled books
Award Winning Books
DRA levels
Michigan Football link for assessment
MCAS Practice test: http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
Link to Video: Flavored Milk: Tasty Nutrition (Midwest Dairy Council)
Link to Video: Sugar Overload
link to more videos
Reader’s Workshop model (video). Three different approaches are used: shared reading, guided reading and independent reading. In Shared Reading, the teacher models comprehension strategies to the whole group using a variety of short texts. In Guided Reading, students practice comprehension strategies through discussions and writing in small groups. In these small groups, texts are used that are at students’ instructional reading levelComprehension is assessed through written assignments that include providing evidence from the text. Finally, in Independent Reading, students practice and demonstrate their independent use of the strategies with a book, journal or magazine of their choice.They will read independently every day, log their efforts, and write reading response letters as assigned. Teachers will conference with individuals about their independent reading.
In the beginning of the school year, we will assess your child to determine their Guided Reading level. In the beginning of the year, level S is on grade level. In the winter, level U is on grade level, and in June it's level V. This is different from what your child is used to. Historically, Arlington has used the DRA system to test fluency and a few years ago they added iReady for comprehension assessments. The Teacher's College of Reading & Writing determines just right books for children based on their fluency and comprehension. We piloted this in 2018-2019 and learned that students who read at their level and with stamina can improve their reading to jump to other levels during the year. This assessment measures the student’s ability to read fluently with expression. It also assesses a variety of comprehension tasks including summarizing and answering literal, reflective, and inferential questions. Based on the assessment results, students are placed into small reading groups based on their current reading ability. Each group uses an instructional text that is at the reading level of the members of the group. Assessment of reading skills will be ongoing through the year and the composition of the reading groups will likely change over time.
Over the course of the year, students will need to read a variety of genres, including non-fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, traditional literature, poetry, and biography. Through units of study in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Informational, students will explore a variety of text structures (compare/contrast, and cause/effect) , literary elements (such as characterization, plot, setting, problem/conflict, theme), and points of view. They will be required to provide evidence to support their arguments in writing and in presentations.
Definitions
ELA Links:
Figuring out a book's level using Book Wizard
List of leveled books
Award Winning Books
DRA levels
Michigan Football link for assessment
MCAS Practice test: http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
Link to Video: Flavored Milk: Tasty Nutrition (Midwest Dairy Council)
Link to Video: Sugar Overload
link to more videos