PACRAT
(Parents and Children Reading Aloud Together)
Each night, students will bring home a book. This book should be brought back to school every morning. Children are expected to read this book every evening. I encourage Parents and children to read at home together. Reading to your child helps them to hear the rhythm and flow of the English language and when children are provided the opportunity to read aloud it gives them the practice and confidence they need to become proficient readers.
During Reading Workshop in our classroom, students read books from their book baskets. This gives them the opportunity to read authentic literature everyday and continually practice using the reading strategies that make proficient readers. Students will be given the opportunity to check out books from my personal library and/or the school library each week. Access to these library books will be provided to ensure their ability to meet the “Million Word Campaign”. Students will be expected to read ten chapter books a quarter - forty chapter books this year.
Researchers have found that time spent reading is the main indicator of reading success as students progress through elementary school. Obviously, students who spend more time independently engaged in text are exposed to more words, more facts, and more background knowledge than their peers who only read when asked to do so with their teacher while they are in school. For this reason, I have set a goal for all students to read for at least 30 minutes each night/day during the school week (150 minutes total). Students are given time during the school day to “Drop Everything And Read”, I also ask that you expect your child to read every evening at home (especially on weekends). This will increase your child’s reading ability and help them develop the “Reading Stamina” they need to perform well and become proficient readers and writers.