Mrs. Arico's

Detectives

Weekly Comprehension Tests

The district uses the Houghton Mifflin Program for part of the literacy instruction that is conducted during a typical school day. Each week the children are introduced to a new story and they do various activities that promote the understanding of that story.

DRA 2 Assessment

The North Rockland School District uses the DRA 2 Assessment to find the exact reading/comprehension level of each child at least 2 times a year. The initial one is conducted in the fall and the final one takes place in April/May. This information will be shared with you at Parent Teacher Conferences.

ISIP Computerized Assessment

In addition to the DRA 2, the district will also gain more insight into your child's fluency, decoding, vocabulary development, and comprehension using a computer assessment called ISIP. The children will take this assessment during their regular computer time at least twice a year. There are additional opportunities to administer this test if needed. We will be using this information to see areas of weakness as well as to measure student growth.

Minibooks/Homework

For comprehension growth to occur, it needs to be practiced and refined like any other strategy or skill. You will notice that your child may be bringing home minibooks with coordinating worksheets. Please encourage your child to LEAP back to the story to help them answer the questions and as always to answer in complete sentences. By encouraging this strategy, it will help promote a better understand of the text they read.

Reading with Your Child

Reading daily with your child IS ESSENTIAL. It is not just decoding the words on the page. It is the ability to UNDERSTAND the material that is being presented. Throughout the year these strategies will be reinforced and emphasized. It is also very important to provide your child with reading material that is appropriate for their reading level. Their reading level will be assessed in the fall and spring as per district guidelines.

Please take the time to ask your child questions as they read out loud to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Level Questioning

From a young age, we read with our children. While this experience is valuable, the vital part is making sure that they understand what they are reading or listening to.

As a child gains the skills to read independently, it is essential to gauge their understand.

By asking higher level questions, we are encouraging a child to think and go beyond the text. By asking questions that begin with "Why" and "How", we are encouraging them to utilize verbal and thinking skills. It is also so important to encourage your child to LEAP back (return to the story to help them find the answer).