About Literacy
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What makes a good reader?
Good readers are able to construct meaning from text. They make use of a variety of reading strategies to build meaning and are able to read fluently. What does it mean to read fluently? There are three factors considered with respect to fluency - expression, phrasing and rate. A fluent reader is able to read with good expression, emphasizing key phrases and words all of the time, in consistently longer, meaningful phrases and at a rate which is smooth and appropriate for the text. What are the stages of reading development? (taken from Active Young Readers Grades 4-6 - Assessment Resource) -Emergent - Readers at the Emergent Stage understand that print and visual text convey a message or a story. These readers will role-play reading, relying on memory to reread familiar stories. Emergent readers are also beginning to recognize that text has directionality and are able to recognize some words in various contexts. They are beginning to predict unknown words using visual information and meaning. Emergent readers are also able to discuss what is happening in a text, as well as, what is likely to happen. -Early - Readers at the Early Stage of reading development are knowledgeable about most print conventions. They will use context and letter sound cues to make approximations, will take risks, and frequently, are able to self-correct. Early readers will read familiar texts with confidence. They are able to make personal connections and are beginning to question and comment on text -Transitional - Readers at the Transitional Stage of development are characterized by a growing sense of independence in selecting text, identifying purpose, and making meaning of print through a growing repertoire of strategies. Transitional readers read longer pieces of text that are not necessarily supported by illustrations and are able to make inferences from words and illustrations. These readers are able to respond personally and are developing the ability to respond critically and aesthetically. -Fluent - Readers at the Fluent Stage of reading development continue to do all of the above and, in addition, automatically integrate all comprehension strategies, have developed an extensive vocabulary, when confronted with unfamiliar text are resourceful at constructing meaning, and will select and respond personally, critically, and aesthetically to a wider variety of textual materials. What should a reader do if he/she gets stuck on a word? Try one of the following: Use word attack/decoding strategies. Try sounding out the word from beginning to end. Look for the pieces you know. Get help. Ask someone to read the sentence/story with the reader. Try echo reading. This will keep the story going. Ask some what the word is. Then discuss the word and its features. |
About Math
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Math is about more than reciting numbers or facts by rote. A student needs to be able to apply math skills and strategies to real world problems within their daily lives. A deeper understanding is needed. Any chance to work with math concepts to solve problems will be a useful learning opportunity.
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About Homework
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Resource support homework is always the same. Practice those skills which are challenging. Students who are struggling with the development of reading strategies should be reading on a daily basis. Reading is a skill which must be practiced. Classroom teachers often assign 'reading' as part of a student's homework. This can be considered to be Resource homework, as well. Students who are struggling with the development of their basic math skills also need to practice those basic number and operation skills.
How you can help: How Can I Help My Child Learn? Reading - It is important to keep home reading time a fun and enjoyable period. Set up a regular reading time with your child. When reading with your child, remember to use a variety of books from old, familiar books to new books which are at or above the child's reading level and everything in between. Change things up. Use a variety of strategies. Have your child read to you. Read to your child. Share the reading. Use echo reading (Read at the same time or have your child lag behind you). Leave blanks in passages that the child can fill in. Discuss the events of the story. Math - Depending on your child's math skill level, try the following. Practice counting or basic math facts. Give your child opportunities to practice their math skills in practical situations. Give them their own money to spend at the store. Have them check their change. Have them measure the size of their room for a new mat. Have them check the temperature outside, so they know what to wear to school. Have them tell you the time (digital and/or analog) and how much time must pass until their favourite show starts. |