It is vital that students read outside of school!!!! 

There are numerous articles and links that help support the notion that summer reading is important.  Here is just one link that I have found:  http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm

I have spoken with all of my students about the NEED to read and have compared it to being involved in any sport or activity that requires practice.  You can’t expect to pick up a trumpet and play like you did at the end of the school year, if you have not touched the instrument for 3 months.  You can’t expect to go into a basketball game and play like you did the previous season without ever touching a basketball for 6 months.  Maintaining your child’s reading improvements means investing in reading time this summer!!

10 to 15 minutes of reading time a day can make all of the difference!!

Here are some suggestions from the district:

Helping Students Improve Their Reading

• Set aside a regular time to read with your teenager every day. Studies show that reading aloud, even with teenagers, increases the desire to read independently.

• Surround your teenager with reading material. Surround your kids with books and magazines at their reading level in the car, bathrooms, bedrooms, family rooms and even by the TV.

• Have a family reading time. Establish a family routine of 15-30 minutes where the family reads together silently. Seeing you read will inspire your teen.

• Encourage a wide variety of reading activities. In addition to all kinds of functional reading (recipes, instructions, movie time listings, etc.) make sure your teen always has something to read in places where he/she may be waiting (like at appointments or in the car).

• Develop the library habit. Lincoln City Libraries has a link for teens on their website. It provides “Hey, Read This!”, a list of current teen titles available at the library, and “CoolSites”, a place to search for titles based on author or topic.

• Use a variety of aids to help your teenager. Reading also comes in the form of books-on-tape, computer websites, and word games (i.e., Balderdash, Apples To Apples, Scrabble, Scrabble Slam).

• Be A Reading Role Model. Make sure your teen sees you reading and writing, whether it’s reading the morning newspaper or making a shopping list. Talk with your teen about what you are currently reading and about books you read as a teen. Turn off the TV for some quiet reading time. Seeing that reading is an important part of your life will help your teen understand that reading can be an important part of his/hers.

• Talk about the reading process. Talk about the books you and your teen have read together — what you liked, what you didn’t like, or who your favorite character was. Ask your teen to tell you about what he/she is reading. Sharing the experience of reading is a great way to open up discussions with your teenager.

http://docushare.lps.org/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-126516

This is access to public files and may have the assignment that you need.  You can download reading charts from this site.

Mrs. Dunse’s Class Information

Mrs. Dunse’s Reading Expectations 7/8

Reading 7/8 will build reading comprehension by focusing on increasing vocabulary comprehension, decoding strategies and critical reading skills. Students will practice distinguishing fact from opinion, drawing inferences, sequencing details and predicting events. Students will engage in oral reading activities to improve reading fluency.

Classroom Expectations
STUDENTS WILL

1. Participate in classroom discussions and activities.

2. Demonstrate positive attitudes towards self and others.

3. Be supportive and encouraging as we improve reading skills.

AND

4. The “USUAL” class expectations: Come to class prepared and with all needed items. This includes completed homework assignments turned in on time.

Things Parents Can Look For:

1. Homework on Monday-Wednesday, Thursday study for spelling or vocabulary tests given on Friday.

2. Students will complete one teacher approved book independently each quarter. Each student will complete book project for each book. Students may not repeat the type of book project used during the semester.

3. Biweekly reading chart with record of independent reading for at least one hour each week, over a four or five day period.

4. Look for graded vocabulary/spelling tests on Friday. Often your student’s current semester grade will be written on the tests.

Your student’s oral reading rate and fluency will be charted quarterly and sent home to you in graph form with your student’s mid quarter grades.
(IF POSSIBLE)

Much of reading class will consist of reading aloud in groups. Students need to understand that we all read differently and that NO DISRESPECT will be tolerated. In order to improve reading abilities, the classroom must be a safe and trusting environment in which to practice.

If you have any questions please feel free to call and ask. I look forward to a great year!

Lynette Dunse