Finding Just Right Books

Thank you for your great feedback on my reading survey! Many of you expressed interest in having book lists for your children. Books that are at just right levels are critical to developing readers. If books are too hard, readers can become frustrated and skills do not improve. Think of ourselves learning a new skill… like skiing. We would not want to try that Black Diamond slope after only a few runs down the Bunny Hill. Progress improves with a ski instructor and when we experience success. We might try an Intermediate slope when we feel ready. Reading is exactly the same. Readers need to practice with books that are easy to read, enjoyable, and understandable.

To find just right books, the Scholastic Book Wizard is a wonderful free tool for searching by level, title, topic, and/or author. To make sure that the books are appropriate for your child, start with the guided reading level. (You can email me if you aren’t sure what level your child is reading.) Next, narrow your search by topic or genre. The Book Wizard will suggest many titles that fit your search. Use this personalized booklist at the library or bookstore to stock up on some great just right books for your child!

Reading Support Begins!

Reading support groups for first and second grade will begin on Monday, October 1. My yearlong goal for all of my students is to discover some just right books that they love to read!

First Grade:  First graders will focus on having confident knowledge of letters/sounds. We will also practice using picture clues and the beginning letters to figure out tricky words. Parents can help their first grader by reviewing letters and sounds every day. Having quick knowledge of letters/sounds paves the way for reading words. Students should have received a letter/sound bingo game from their classroom teacher. This is a great way to review letters and sounds. Let me know if you did not receive this game and would like one.

Second Grade:  Second graders will focus on strengthening comprehension, identifying the Who? and the What? throughout our story. We will also review decoding strategies which help with figuring out a tricky word. Parents can help their second grader by practicing the Who? and the What? while reading and also guiding them to use different decoding strategies when they are stuck on a word. All second graders should have checked out 2 library books this past week. If these books are at your child’s reading level (check the spine of the book, many of our books are now labeled!), you can practice these skills together. A good rule to follow is if there are more than 5 tricky words on a page, a book is too hard and should be read aloud to your child instead.

If you have any questions, please contact me. Looking forward to a wonderful year with some wonderful kids!