The school year is drawing to a close. It is a time of reflection for me as I think about where each student started and how far each has moved forward.

Third graders have recently completely Marvin Redpost, Alone in His Teacher’s House. Even though there was a sad event, most readers were satisfied with the happy ending. In the small amount of time remaining this year, students will read a book independently as well as continue with to practice strategic reading exercises.

I get very nostalgic when I think about your/my third graders, many of whom I have known since first grade. They are graduating. I am going to miss them so much. They are friendly, inquisitive and, ready to read (most of the time). They may start out a little sleepy or disinterested at 7:30 but their attitudes change as they get enthusiastic about our latest book. And, I have seen so much growth, both academic and personal, in each of these students. It has been my mission to increase their word knowledge, reading strategies and comprehension while sharing my love of literature.

Second graders have read both fiction and nonfiction this month including River Home, The Best Worst Day Ever, Letter in a Bottle and Gift of the White Dolphin. They now have sufficient vocabulary and word attack skills to read short books with minimal help. They do need help, however, interpreting and organizing what they read. We have been working on strengthening those skills. I have been encouraging students to read AR books because it will help them develop the same reading skills we practice in class. But with AR books, they can choose their own book and read it at their own pace. Maybe this last quarter of the year will be when your child makes it on the AR Wall of Fame.

First graders embarked on a huge learning experience this year: reading. Students were constantly being introduced to new ‘hunks and chunks’, sight words, main ideas, summaries, punctuation and many other important pieces of learning. Reading was intimidating for quite a few of my students when we started in August. Several said to me, "Reading is hard." Or "I can’t read." With persistence, much practice and hard work, I can now say that in the Reading Room, everyone is reading! It required hard work, patience and persistence but YOUR CHILD DID IT! Even if your child is not reading at the exact level you or I would hope, celebrate the positive; let your child know you appreciate his/her good efforts. It has been a great pleasure to help students develop their reading skills and foster a life-long love of books. Everyone has overcome personal challenges to become stronger and more confident readers. Some will need continued reading support, but some are just about ready to fly on their own.

First graders enjoyed reading a non-fiction book, Scarlett, the Bravest Cat. Next, they wrote a letter to Scarlett’s caretakers telling why they would be a good owner of Scarlett. They also tried writing some stories of their own. This was good practice in creative thinking, spelling, writing sentences and using capitals and periods. In one class students chose a book to read independently and then completed a book report. Another class completed an amusing and creative book they wrote and illustrated, The Dancing Pajamas. If your child hasn’t yet brought the book home to share, ask her to.

It’s not too early to plan for summer. It is a fact that over the summer all children lose some of the skills they learned. Struggling readers are even more vulnerable. Those students who worked hardest to learn reading will lose the most and will take longer to recoup their previous level in the fall. You may wish to consider individual or group tutoring. There are several good reading programs in our area as well as many excellent SJS teachers who tutor during the summer. Information regarding summer tutors will be available soon.