Weekly Update #4

So this week I thought I would share a little about our new reading series that is being used in K-2..hopefully this will allow others to see some of the components of this ARC program, later I will focus on the other components of the program.

One of the components of this program is the Read Aloud component.  Similar to your typical read aloud however there is usually a very narrowed focus for the read aloud.

 Here is Mrs. Guimoye doing a read aloud and her big focus was looking at the break between words and touching each word as the kindergarten friends do their Readers Workshop.
 

 Readers Workshop was probably one of the trickiest components of ARC that our K-2 teachers have been working on these past few weeks -  kids are independently reading and building stamina to get up to 30 minutes of continuous reading. Here are a few pictures of kids during this time from Mrs. Hall's room.

After they read independently there is accountable talk :) They are given a focus during this time and they turn and talk - these friends were asked to share a favorite part of the story.

 So your probably wondering how do the kids get books that they are able to read on their own (especially in K and 1)...You may have heard others talking about something called the IRLA- this is a tool used to identify kids independent reading level in ARC's continuum ...it is a giant spiral bound book, I'm sure you have seen us carrying it around.  Once they are leveled they select books from the corresponding color tub which should offer that child a wide selection of books at their independent level.

Now you may be asking yourself what if they can't even read a very simple patterned text?  Well, those kids are considered "Read To Me" kids (RTM).  These children will need lots of books read to them- ARC asks for them to get 20 per day. Woah! yes, that is upper grades may be hearing from lower grades in order to get some readers to help.  Anyone can help, if you know of a volunteer that would like to come in, this would be a perfect opportunity for them to help!  Here I am reading with a kindergarten buddy who was so eager and very excited about reading :)

 
 After Readers Workshop they record their reading in their log.  For every 15 minutes they read they record a step- so typically on a day at school they would record 2 steps and then soon when they begin their home steps they will record 2 at home :)  This is an example of Mrs. Baughman's class recording in their logs.

So that's just a portion of ARC... I hope to show you more soon!

 Now all classes are up and Running with ST Math... way to go WES!!!  Please let me know if you would like support with ST math during your math time :)