Helping Students Develop A Love For Reading!

Once the students meet their goal by the deadline, a group of school officials, Mr. Krantz, Mr. Durglo and Mr. Phillips (pictured on right) will be sent to the Reading Teepee immediately after the varsity basketball game versus Charlo on January 20, 2011. If the numbers of books are doubled, a second group will be selected, Mrs. Stobie, Mrs. Plant and Mrs. Weaselhead (pictured left) to spend the evening in one of the teepees.  If, by some miracle, the students triple the goal, Superintendent Lewandowski (center) will join the others for a winter’s night in the Teepee.

 by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

RATIONALE

Reading is fundamental in all aspects of our children’s education. Learning how to comprehend, read fluently and apply what has been read is critical to educational success. In order to become a great reader takes practice. With this in mind, the school has developed a few independent reading goals to help accommodate our children’s love for reading. The more we can get children to read, the better readers they will become that is why we have the Reading Teepees.  

As you have probably seen, there are two teepees between the elementary school and the library. The Native American Studies classes put up the teepees and provided instruction related to culture and heritage to elementary through high school students. It is their intention to develop an encampment for students to observe. In addition to student exposure of the teepees in their NAS courses, the elementary will put the teepees to further use and expose school officials to a winter night’s stay in the teepee. 

For some reason, students love reversing the roles between educator and student. It is surprising how hard they will work to be able to tell their teacher or administrator what they need to do instead of the other way around. At any rate, it is all done in fun, and that is what makes the difference.  I know I am not looking forward to spending cold winter’s night out in the elements in a teepee. You can bet, if I do, it will be for good reason, and I can’t think of a better reason than independent student reading. If our students reach their reading goal – it will be an evening that won’t soon be forgotten.

RULES

Two (2) books by January 6, 2012 (following Christmas Break) with a minimum number of pages (see page minimums below). The books need to be read at an independent level (in class or at home).

• 10 pages for kindergartners
• 20 pages for first graders
• 30 pages for second graders
• 40 pages for third graders
• 50 pages for fourth graders
• 60 pages for fifth graders

Classroom teachers will collect the proper student verification and turn it into the office. Verifications will be totaled and updated for students to see on a bulletin board. (The verifications will also be given to the identified educator to read while spending the evening in the teepee). Students must verify their reading by providing the following:

•  Kindergartners: draw a picture of what they read or a paper with three new words they learned.
• First Grade: write a sentence about what they read
• Second Grade: write two sentences about what they read
• Third Grade: write a paragraph (at least three sentences) about what they read
• Fourth Grade: write two paragraphs (at least three sentences each) about what they read
• Fifth Grade: write three paragraphs (at least three sentences each) about they read (Introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs).

NOTE: The following heading must accompany each verification:

• Student Name
• Student Grade
• Title of Book.

Weekly updates will be provided to the school on the bulletin board hanging across from the elementary computer lab in the multi-purpose facility.

PARENTAL ASSISTANCE

Parents are encouraged to help their children read at the independent level and work with their child to complete their verification material. 

Parent Assistance Tips:

1. Provide a quite environment for reading: (Just setting a specific time aside for reading will help your child focus and begin reading as a habit).
2. Reduce surrounding distractions: (Turn off the television, radio or electronic equipment that might distract your child).
3. Read aloud to your child; (Read a sentence/paragraph or two to get your child started. Encourage them to read aloud back to you. This help reading fluency).
4. Model reading: (While your child reads, pick up the newspaper, a magazine or book and join them. Your example is most powerful).
5. Ask your child to explain what they have read: (Don't be afraid to ask you child about the story they are reading. This helps their comprehension and gives them positive feedback in showing that you care).
6. Make reading fun: (What ever you do, have fun! This starts with a book that is written at your child's independent reading level. The books they are reading independently should not be difficult. Independent reading is practice. If your child struggles with the reading material, talk to his/her teacher about your child's reading selection. A difficult reading selection often times discourages young readers).

The READING CHALLENGE has been made; if the students reach their goals the selected school officials must spend the winter’s night in the teepee the evening of January 20, 2012 following the varsity game (Brrrrrr…). This initiative is all about fun and developing a love for reading! 

Ladies and gentlemen, start your reading!!!