Children learn to look left to right, and they respond to the chart by placing a sticker in answer to the question. Strategies for Learning to Read are used, when students learn to associate words and pictures. First, they tell about the picture, then begin to read words, then sentences at the bottom. The children create letter books which can be shared and taken home. The books get gradually harder through the year.
Students can choose a book from the box.
They read it to three friends, to a teacher, and then to the class. Level books are provided by the PTA and read to small groups, and games have been made which target specific skills. Journal writing starts at the beginning of the year. Both Michelle and Colleen feel that students seem to be learning more quickly this year since journal writing began right away.