Fluency Practice

"Fluency is the ability to read or access words effortlessly with seemingly little attention to decoding. Fluent readers decode words not only automatically but accurately. in addition, fluent readers group words into meaningful units, utilize punctuation to guide their voices, and use expression appropriately to help them comprehend what they are reading."

"Fluency develops over time, and students should be given repeated opportunities to practice fluency with a variety of texts. Repeated readings increase rate, accuracy and comprehension by providing students with multiple exposures to words and spelling patterns. In addition, it helps students improve their ability to break sentences into meaningful phrases and to use intonation. It is effective with both older and younger students. Repeated readings involve the students reading segments of text between 50 to 200 words, depending on students' ability. Students should practice repeated readings with a variety of different text types."

~SRA Imagine It! Program Appendix

We will be practicing fluency with short pieces of text on a regular basis. All students can benefit from extra practice with the text at home so I am going to include the text on our class blog. Your child should work on being able to read the text without making mistakes, paying attention to punctuation and with appropriate expression. You can time your child and count the number of mistakes made, then reread and try to beat that time, making fewer mistakes. Have your child make a chart to keep track of his/her progress - they love to see their improvement on paper. :)

I have a pet dog. His name is Dash. Dash knows many tricks. He can sit and fetch. Dash and I are kind to each other. I brush his fur and give him baths. He licks my face when I am sick. Dash and I are best friends. How are you kind to your best friend?

Welcome to Second Grade!

Hello Families!

         I am excited to welcome you to our second grade class! As one of the founders of the school, I am very passionate about LdV and am so pleased that you have chosen to send your child to our amazing little school.

         You’ll soon learn about all of the wonderful things we’ll be studying this year and what makes LdV such a unique charter school. Look for your invitation to our “Back to School Night” (coming up on Wednesday, September 21^st) where you’ll get all the details.

         Please note that your child will not report directly to our classroom in the mornings but rather line up with the rest of the class in the lunch arbor area. Look for a sign with my name on it and have your child wait there until I arrive to walk them upstairs to our room.

         Children often bring a wide array of supplies to school with them so I wanted to let you know ahead of time that most of the things your child will need at school will be provided for her/him. Toys and valuables should always stay at home. If possible, please send in the following:

·      pencil box

·      crayons – box of 24 is a good size

·      water bottle (we don’t have a water fountain in the classroom)

·      toothbrush with holder (we brush after lunch)

         It is very important to me that my student’s families know that this is not my classroom, but our classroom.  Parents are always welcome to come watch presentations or just see what we’re up to. Also, I will be sending home a volunteer sheet during the first week of school if you are interested in volunteering your time. Please note: for the safety of the children, volunteers need to have TB and fingerprint records on file with our front office before helping out at school. If you’d prefer to donate items for use in the classroom, a list of needs is available here: http://signupgenius.com/go/classroom446

Should you have questions for me before we meet again, feel free to contact me via email: erin.gannon@davincicharter.org or phone: 271-2777 x111. If you’d like to come in and talk face to face, I’d be happy to set up an appointment with you.

Again, welcome to second grade and room 11!  I look forward to working with you this year.

Sincerely,

Ms. Gannon :)

Grade Change

I am officially switching back to second grade! It was so much fun to loop my students and work with them for two years. We learned a lot together and I return to second grade with a better understanding of what to do to prepare them for third grade. School begins in a little over a week. I can't wait to meet my new group and begin my 14th year of teaching. My how time flies!