Welcome to Mrs. Fisher's K-5 MTSS page!This is my 7th year working with students in reading and math and my 14th year teaching at Madison!! I'm looking forward to an EXCEPTIONAL school year with my kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders!! Finding time to read with your children is so important! There is no bad time to read with your child, or to encourage him/her to read, but some times of the day are better than others. If bedtime doesn't work for you, try squeezing 20-30 minutes of book time into other moments: *Before your child's bath*- At the end of the day take a few minutes to look through a favorite book together. Read a page aloud, then have him read the next. Let him sound out the difficult words, and offer lots of praise as he does. *When the TV is off*- It is your job to limit the amount of time your child watches the T.V., uses the computer and plays video games. If the T.V. is off your child is more likely to grab a book. *While you're making dinner*- Have your child grab a book and read to you while you're cooking. Ask your child to read sections of the newspaper aloud. *While you're driving*- Reading in the car isn't just a great way to pass the miles on a long trip. It's also wonderful for enriching your child's mind while you drove around town. Why is reading so important? **Reading helps in every school subject. **Reading builds vocabulary easily. **Reading encourages imagination. **Reading for fun boosts test scores. **Reading can improve writing and spelling. **Reading makes you a better reader! At home reading and math tips: 1. Use vocabulary sight word flashcards. 2. Make weekly trips to the library. 3. Count out how many parts or syllables are in words you encounter. 4. Stretch out words and name the sounds you hear. 5. Practice math by counting by 1's, 5's, and 10's. 6. Practice addition, subtraction and multiplication facts at home nightly and chart it on your math log. 7. Practice reading at home and chart your minutes on your reading log. 8. Turn in your signed reading and/or math log for special prizes!! Give your child a healthy start in the morning! It is so important to make time for breakfast. Children can benefit from a healthy breakfast. Studies show that school breakfast can improve test scores, make kids more alert in class, a and improve classroom behavior. Make sure your child starts the school day with a healthy meal. Test Taking Strategies: 1 Read each question very carefully. 2. Try answering the questions in your head before looking at the choices. 3. Look at all of the answers and eliminate the ones you know are wrong. 4. Always double check your answer before moving on. Tips for taking math assessments... 1. Decide which operation you need to use. 2. Look carefully at all parts of graphs, maps and tables. 3. Estimate your answer, then solve your problem. 4. Draw pictures to help solve word problems. 5. Check your work by using opposite operations. 6. Read all the answer choices before making a final decision. Tips for taking reading assessments... 1. Look at the title of the passage and the pictures first. Try to predict what the passage will be about. 2. Use context clues to help you figure out words you don't understand. 3. Pay attention to the order of events. Look for words such as "first," "next," "then," and "later." 4. Watch for absolute words that can change meaning, such as "all," "always," "never," "not," and "only." 5. Underline key words that tell what happened and why. 6. Find evidence in the passage that supports your answer. 7.Review all the possible answers before making your selection. Improving vocabulary can be easy and fun! Find creative ways to teach words by: *Exploring the world- Introduce your child to new and memorable things. Try something new! *Adding new words- If your child learns a word, help them name words with similar and opposite meanings. *Practice what you learn- Find a variety of ways to work with new words, such as writing them, drawing pictures, and acting out definitions. Reading and math aren't that different! As your child builds his or her reading skills, they develop important math skills. Experts say reading and math have plenty in common. They both involve: *Language- Stories and math problems both use kinds of language. Practice reading them both! *Understanding- Kids need to understand what they read in books and math problems. Talking about what your child is learning is a good way to review. *Connections- Help your child relate what he or she learns in both subjects to real life. He might identify with a character in a book they are reading or use math skills to save for a special purchase. Online site offers reading tips You will find fun reading related activities that appeal to both kids and parents on the ReadWriteThink website. Families can create comic strips, do crossword puzzles, write poems and more. To learn more, visit www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/. Three steps lead to book report success Writing a book report is a great way for children to build reading skills as well as analytical skills as they work with the book. As with any long-term task, it helps to keep three steps in mind: 1. Get organized. Your child will need a book, paper, writing utensils and a step-by-step plan for staying on track. 2. Stay focused. Guide and encourage your child as he works. Be sure to prevent distractions during homework time, and help him stick to his schedule. 3. Finish. Double-check that all instructions have been followed. Use the SQ3R method with textbook reading Teach your child this strategy: *Survey- Take a quick look at the material. What stands out? *Question- Ask yourself interesting questions that you'll answer by reading. *Read- Read the assignment part by part, taking breaks if needed. *Restate- Talk about what you read. Reinforce information learned by asking and answering questions with someone else. *Review- Go over what you have learned. What were the main points? What information was surprising? How does this new information relate to your life? I am so excited to start a brand new school year! I've taught 5th, 6th and 7th grades here at Madison. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year working with K-5th grade students in reading & math!! I have two children, Alivia and Drew. I hope you all have enjoyed your summer vacation with family and friends. My family spent a lot of time in Traverse City on our boat and at the beach! I look forward to a very fun and productive year filled with many learning opportunities!
IDEAS FOR IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION AT HOME:
1. Favorite Books- Read and reread favorite books with your child and have them read independently. This will develop reading confidence and fluency. This also offers a chance to practice reading expression.
2. Follow Along- Find an interesting book at your child's reading level. Read as your child follows along.
3. Books on Tape & CD- The newest way to read. Have the tape/CD play as your child follows along with the book. This will build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension quickly. This is a great idea for trips in the car too!
4. Read Aloud Time- Have your child read anything to you or take turns reading back and forth.
5. Choral Reading- Read a short story, book, song or poem together. You can make beautiful music with words!
**Handwriting--Practice cursive writing in a journal. Write about all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of the school year.**Reading-
-Visit your local library and dive into an adventurous book!
-Continue reading new & exciting books over the summer.
-Read for 45 minutes daily.
**Math-
-Practice multiplication facts daily.
-Challenge a friend to a multiplication show down! Who knows more math facts?!
Also don't forget to check out some great links! Click here!
****QUALITY FAMILY TIME!****
Visit healthyfamilytime.org
* At your next family meal, have everyone share the best thing that happened to them that day.
* Read a book with mom, dad, sister or brother.
*Pick a night for a family walk or game night.
Please visit the following website for information regarding the McKinney-Vento Act: http://www.naehcy.org/dl/m_v.doc http://mdoe.state.mi.us http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_30334_40067---,00.html
|
|
|
