The DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) is well under way. Students in grade 4 experience this is a new way from what they were used to in the primary grades. There is a 1-1 reading section with the teacher (which they are familiar with) and then there is a huge independent writing section which is new to students. About 85% of the students have finished this assessment. Within the next week the entire class should be finished. This information will be used to determine the strengths and areas of need for students as we commence our reading groups and goal setting.
You can help your child with reading by:
1) Selecting books, magazines, graphic novels, etc. that are appropriate for their reading level. A good rule of thumb is to have your child read the first page of a book. If they struggle or have mistakes with 5 or more words then the text is too challenging for them to read independently. They should select another books, or together you can read the text.
2) Set aside 10-20 minutes each night to read. Reading is fundamental to so many other areas of learning. If your child read for 20 minutes each day that would equate to 7300 minutes a year. Roughly, 122 hours. Just think of all the adventures and facts that they could explore in a year!
3) Asking them questions about what they have read (to determine their comprehension). Can your child tell you about what they have just read? Can they tell you who the characters are? What the problem in the story is? Can they predict how it is solved? If they are reading non-fiction books can they tell you some facts? If not, have your child open up the book and re-read parts of it to find out the answer. This is a skill that we will continue to reinforce in grade 4. It is called using supporting detail from the text.
4) Have your child read every day material. For example, have them spot out different signs or read maps (GPS) while you drive. Can they read the instructions on videogames? Posters while you shop or at appointments count too.
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