Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,
Our curriculum and instruction are both complex and
comprehensive. Our reading program
involves many components including, but not limited to: independent reading, guided reading, shared
reading, interactive reading, literature clubs, and, of course, explicit instruction.
We begin the year by
focusing on independent reading. Independent reading is critical for academic
achievement. It is also critical because this is how children develop a reading
identity and a passion for books. Independent reading is an area where you as
a parent can make a significant difference. There are a few guidelines you want to be mindful of when nurturing your child's reading life.- First, choice matters. Children want to choose their own books. This is true for you as an adult too. Children will read faster, longer and happier if they are choosing their own titles. Helping your child find the right title, topic, author or series can be tricky, but don’t give up. Once your child gets hooked he/she will be unstoppable. Our teachers and librarian can help. Our city librarians are also a rich resource.
- Second, accuracy and comprehension matters. As adults we read books with 99.5% accuracy. If we have to struggle with one or two words we put the book down. The same is true for children. It is not uncommon for kids to read with a fairly high level of accuracy, but they do not understand what is going on. The challenge comes when your child wants to read a Harry Potter-like book when he/she is not ready. No problem. Make that book a read aloud. Sharing a good book together is a great idea no matter how old your child is.
- Third, time matters. Reading is like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get. The better you get, the more you enjoy it. The independent reading that is assigned for homework is a minimum. If you want to see amazing progress set 45 minutes to an hour a night for reading.
- Fourth, your commitment to reading matters. You are your child’s most influential teacher. If you make reading a positive and pleasurable experience, your child will follow your lead.
When you support your child’s reading life, you are supporting their academic
success and nurturing a healthy habit for life.
Happy Reading!
Marlie Schmidt
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PTA Facebook Page -- PTA is making a HUGE effort to communicate events and happenings at Los Ranchos. One of the best ways to stay in contact is to "Like" our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/
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Box Tops-- This year we are collecting Box Tops in each classroom as a class competition. The first competition ends October 25th. Turn in Box Tops in brown folders or in containers located in each classroom. The wining class will enjoy an ice cream bar party! Look for more Box Top tips on our facebook page.
The chalk festival is this Friday, September 25th. Please send your student(s) with hats and sunscreen. We could also use more "ez up" tent loans. Volunteers are also needed. If you would like to help please contact Kasey Rosecrans at 704-3983 or kaseysews@earthlink.net.
Los Ranchos Annual Fall Family DinnerOur annual Fall Family dinner is on Friday, September 25th from 5:30-7:30pm. The buffet dinner is by the Chef at Avila Valley Barn. Come by the office to pick up your order form and purchase tickets ($10 per person). We will also have baked goodies which support the 6th grade outdoor school so be ready to buy some yummy treats!
