It seems as if summer just isn't letting go quite yet!  I hope you all get to squeeze in as much of the warm sunshine as possible this weekend!

I am sharing a reading/thinking resource with you today (see below) that may be helpful for you when guiding your child(ren) in thinking through the books they are reading.  Reading the words when reading is one thing, but critically thinking through a text, whatever the level, is a skill that learners need to practice not only in school, but outside of school as well.   

Where this resource may, at first glance, seem like it is geared toward more experienced readers, it is one that you can certainly use with emerging readers as well, as you read aloud to your child(ren).  Choosing one "signpost" to focus on a week, is a wonderful way to start.  Of course, some books won't lend themselves to all of these signposts however, having this resource available when reading is an excellent way for readers of any age to actively participate in reading and thinking through texts.  Give it a try in your own reading, too, so that you can be a role model for your readers at home.  

MAPS testing begins this week for grades 2-8.  Click here for the top six questions parents ask about MAPS testing.  First graders will take the MAPS test in the winter and spring (they take a PALS assessment in the fall, which is geared more toward letters and sounds), and second through eighth graders take the test in fall, winter, and spring.  MAPS tests give us detailed data about our learners that help us make informed, personalized instructional decisions to move our learners forward.  "But what if my child is not a good test taker?" many parents ask.  MAPS is just one data point we use to make informed instructional decisions about our learners, along with both formal and informal classroom assessments and finally a state assessment (Forward Exam) in the spring (grades 3-8).


We look forward to seeing you all at Curriculum Night this Wednesday, September 19th, from 6-7 pm. For this first curriculum night, we are asking that parents only come.  We will ask for your feedback before you leave, so that we can make the revisions our families want/need in the future.  We will begin altogether in the library  and then you will be invited to go to your child(ren's) classroom  to ask any specific questions you may have for the teacher.

I wish you all a happy, warm and healthy weekend!

Sincerely,
Beth Wartzenluft
Curriculum Coach

"By all these lovely tokens

September days are here

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer"

              ~Author unknown

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