Dear Parents:
The English Department would like to encourage students to do as much
reading as possible outside the classroom or during free time in the classroom.
Research shows that children become better readers simply by reading more**
and, to that end, we are hoping to encourage reading by adopting the following
programs:
1. D.E.A.R. (drop everything and read) Each child should always have a
book of their own choosing with them in the classroom. When a child finishes
their work early, they need to have something to read. Also, the teachers may
announce "DEAR Time" during class which means that there will be 20
minutes of independent reading in the class. This independent reading is much
more than a just-sit-there-and-read experience. It gives the teacher a structured
time to touch base with each student over a period of time, assess progress,
and target instruction. Even more important, it gives students time to read
what they want to read, share what they've read, and receive the support they
need for further reading explorations and reflections.
2. Every night, your child should do a minimum of 20 minutes "timed
reading". This "timed reading" could be twenty minutes of
reading out loud to a younger child, time reading a magazine or comic book, or
even time reading an article on the internet. It does not matter what the child
is reading, as long as they are interested and you approve of the content. You
can make the timed reading a game (set a timer: "Ready, Set, Go") or
part of your bedtime routine, or you can simply say it is part of their
homework and it must be done. Whatever works in your household.
3. Reading Incentive Program.... Each class will have a suggested
reading list and the students may chose to read any book they wish from the
suggested list. If a student wants to read a book that is not on the approved
reading list, they should bring the book to their teacher for approval. After
the student has read the book, they will do a small and simplified book report
and turn it into their teacher. Each book read and reported on will receive
points and the accumulation of points will result in either a small prize ( a
pencil, a special erasure) or commendation. At the end of the year, the school
will give out awards to the children who have read the most books and/or who
have made the most improvement. The idea is not to stress points or number of
books read but rather to stress setting personal goals and reading progress.
Each teacher will work the incentive
program in a way that best meets the mission and goals of the class. The
parent's role in this program is to encourage reading. In addition to setting
goals each month and reading to meet their own personal goal, some teachers may
require a reading log that must also be kept as part of the reading goal. This
program is not required as part of the curriculum but is highly encouraged! We
hope that you will notice that your child is reading more books than usual and
is enthusiastic about reading!
The suggested reading lists by grade in .pdf format:
The
English Department of the French-American School of Miami 
