K-3 Reading:

• uninterrupted reading time blocks
• small flexible groups
• focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency and comprehension
• instructional libraries
• fiction and non-fiction reading strategies
• literature groups
• basic reading inventories and fluency timings - throughout the year
• ReadWell Reading Program
• Phonics for Reading
• Read Naturally
• Companion Reading
• Scott Foresman Early Intervention Reading Program

  4-6 Reading:

• small, flexible reading groups
• Houghton Mifflin comprehensive reading program
• reading across the curriculum
• implementation of reading strategies for literature and non-fiction
• integration of writing rubrics into reading
• reading inventories and fluency timings - throughout the year

  All School Homework Plan

• Students read 10 to 30 minutes per night and write responses and thoughtful comments about their reading based on questions developed by their teacher.
• students who complete their homework all week have their name put in a drawing to win a book to add to their personal library.

  Extended Day:

• Reading Lab:  before school small reading instructional groups
• Success Lab:  after school reading and writing instructional groups
• Literacy Lab: 2 and 1/2 hour classes (2:45 - 4:15) for 4th graders with small group reading and writing instruction/WASL tips.

  Better Schools Project:

• one of nine schools in the district selected to receive funding from Better Schools Legislation
• provides additional teachers, resources, and support to help students reach standards in reading
• a new book is presented to each student entering Redmond Elementary during the school year

  Accelerated Reader:

• students set goals for reading in grades 2-6
• students test their comprehension skills after reading
• incentives offered for students to meet their goals
• school librarian champions the program
• "Instructional Library" in first grade and kindergarten prepare students for AR

  Donuts for Dad / Muffins for Mom:

• last Friday of each month, before school
• time for students and parents to read together
• donuts, muffins and beverages provided
• sponsored by the Neighborhood School House and PTSA

  Parent Roles and Home Resources

• parent volunteers assist with reading tutorials
• Some internet links:
  • Help Your Child Become a Reader : http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/Reader/index.html
  • Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory: http://www.nwrel.org/index.html
  • Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: http://www.carolhurst.com/index.html
  • Children's Literature Web Guide: http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/index.html
  • Reading Rainbow: http://gpn.unl.edu/rainbow/

                               Reading Matters

• Some information on the importance of reading to and with your children  from and early age. That alone can make an difference in their school achievement and success.
• Inspired by the book "Reading Magic" by Mem Fox.

  Email:

• Gail Young, Title One / Lap/ Safety Net Services: gyoung@lwsd.org
• Monique Thackray, Better Schools Reading Teacher: mthackray@lwsd.org
• Paula Randolph, Better Schools Reading Teacher: prandolph@lwsd.org