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Reading First
The Treasures Reading Program, resources for families and activities for students.
What is Reading First?
Reading First is a reading initiative built on scientifically based reading research. The National Reading Panel reviewed more than 100,000 studies to find the most effective way to instruct children learning to read. The Panel identified five components that must be present in reading instruction for it to be effective.
They are:
Phonemic Awareness - The ability to hear, identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words.
Phonics - Relationships between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language.
Fluency - The ability to read a text accurately and quickly.
Vocabulary - The words we must know to communicate effectively.
Comprehension - The ability to understand or get meaning from text.
(Definitions taken from Put Reading First, 2003)
The ultimate goal of Reading First is to ensure all students can read effectively by the end of third grade.
How will we accomplish this goal?
Every student will receive reading instruction based on the five components everyday during an uninterrupted ninety minute block of time. Students will be given reading assessments to determine their ability level. The assessment data will be taken and used to drive instruction to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. Instruction will be in the form of whole group, small group and workstations. Teachers will continue to receive high quality professional development on the best instructional practices in reading and incorporate these newly learned strategies into reading instruction.
How can you, the parents, help?
Take the time to read to your child and listen to your child read. Fifteen minutes every night can make a difference. While reading to your child or listening to your child read ask them questions to check their understanding, make predictions, discuss unknown words to build vocabulary, make connections with what is taking place in the story to real life, etc.
It is very important that your child receives reading instruction every day. Please note the following reading blocks and schedule your child's appointments around that time.
Block Times
- First Grade - 8:40 - 10:10 a.m.
- Second Grade - 10:25 - 12:00 noon
- Third and Fourth Grade - 12:50 - 2:30 p.m.
Click on one of the links below for more information:
www.nationalreadingpanel.org
www.ed.gov/programs/readingfirst
www.readingfirstsupport.us
If you have any questions concerning Reading First Grant or if I can assist in offering suggestions for helping your child succeed in reading, please call 785-3037.
Erica Weadon
O’Neal Elementary Reading First Coach
Added 10/3/2009
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