The sixth-grade ESL students have been preparing for the Degrees of Reading Power test. To answer correctly, the reader needs to understand how synonyms, antonyms, definitions, descriptions, comparisons or contrasts that may precede or follow a blank relate to the word that is missing. In small, supportive groups, second language learners have more frequent opportunities to read aloud and can ask and answer questions without risk of embarrassment. With every repetition and each new story, their reading becomes more fluent. The students who receive all of their instruction in the homeroom are proud to show off their reading and writing progress on the days when Ms. Glick or Mrs. Indelicato go into their classrooms.
Every single one can read.
They have all made books that they can keep and read at home. The Autism class is excited about the warmer weather and sunny days. We are continuing our animal theme with farm animals. The students are learning how to describe each farm animal and the sounds they make. The students are continuing to discriminate categories of objects and group them accordindingly.