Book Week in Grade 1-2

BOOK WEEK IN GRADE 1-2

Dear Parents

As you may know we are planning a fun filled and educational Book Week this week.

• During the week and leading up to the week we will be sharing favourite authors with the class. I have chosen Allison Lester. Students will then choose a character from one of those books to dress up as on Friday. I am encouraging students to be as creative as possible with their designs and to hopefully make their own costumes. They already appear very excited. At our Friday assembly which will be held on the basketball court, we will have all our students share their costumes. We will collect 5000 rp from all students to raise funds for Student Council activities and house points will also be awarded for a variety of categories.

• I would like to invite any parents to come in and read their favourite book to the class. If it is a picture book and in your native language that would be a wonderful way to share our diversity.

• On Wednesday students are invited to take part in a book swap. During snack time students who want to swap some pre-loved books will meet in the hall and engage in a book swap with their peers.

• There will be a donation box set up outside the library for any quality books people may want to donate.

• Teachers will be reading their favourite books to all students in the hall after snack recess each day. This is a treat that many are waiting for with bated breath.

I have also added a document below outlining some hints for reading. I sent this out earlier in the year but it is always good to have a reminder.

Regards

Mr Jim

Reading at Home             Grade 1/2

Dear Parents,

Every day the students will bring home a reading folder, which must be returned to school each day. The children will take responsibility for selecting their own books from a wide range of literature.

During the next few weeks the students will learn how to select books that are just right for their own independent reading. I will be observing, supporting and consulting with each child regarding these book selections and helping your child decide on appropriate books.  Research tells us that allowing children to make their own reading choices increases motivation and a heightened desire to learn to read independently.

Every day, the students will read independently to themselves at school and at home. These important independent reading opportunities allow students to practice the necessary skills and strategies to improve their reading development.

You can help with your child’s reading development by:

·       reminding your child to read independently for about 20-30 minutes at home.

·       suggesting a short family reading time where everyone in the family is reading to themselves.

·       listening to your child read one selected page/passage from their reading book (it is not necessary for your child to read the whole book aloud to you).

·       asking a few questions and listening to your child tell you in their own words about their book.

·       always providing encouragement and positive feedback.

·       celebrating your child’s growing independence and responsibility.

We still read our books n class after sharing at assembly and with the class next door. Everyone enjoys them very much.