Basic Skills is a program in which we support the reading, writing and math instruction in the classroom. Repetition and extra practice encourage success.
First Grade Reading
In addition to reviewing and practicing concepts taught in the classroom, Basic Skills also uses Recipe for Reading, a visual, auditory, and kinesthetic program that teaches sound/letter correspondence and correct letter formation. Sight word vocabulary is developed through the use of word cards. These word cards come from books and poems read in class and at home.
Second Grade Reading
The second grade Basic Skills program in reading includes a review of phonics rules using Open Court and the development of strategies that good readers use. It also stresses the development of reading fluency and comprehension skills.
Click on the following websites for reading games and activities:
http://resources.kaboose.com/games/read2.html
www.thekidzpage.com/learninggames/learningonline.htm
October Suggestions for Parents
Reading stories to your children is a most valuable activity. When children listen to adults read, it helps them develop an appreciation for written material and for the ideas and thoughts that books can convey. Many experts in the field of reading have determined that parents who read to their children on a regular basis are more likely to have children who are good readers.
Reading aloud is perhaps the most important way you can guide your child toward reading success. You can open up whole new worlds of adventure and mystery that cannot be found anywhere else, including TV! Children who have been read to will undoubtedly be eager to read for themselves because they know of the pleasures to be found in books. Here are some suggestions:
1. Establish a relaxed atmosphere with no radios, TV, or other distractions. Try setting aside a family reading time when everyone reads.
2. Encourage your child to stop you to ask questions or to point out details. This shows that your child is interested in what you are reading.
3. You may want to stop from time to time in your reading to ask questions about some of the characters or events in the story. Ask questions like, "Why do you think she/he did that?"
4. As you read a story, record it on cassette tape. Later your child can listen to the story again just by playing the tape independently.