I continue to notice that many of the children are having problems with their reading comprehension tests. I wanted to post a note so that all parents know how the test is administered and what your child is expected to do on Friday.
We read the reading story every day. I reinforce this story twice a week in small groups. Usually this is sequencing, identifying elements, or working on compare and contrast. We also spend 2 days working on vocabulary activities, and I used Mrs. Boyer to reinforce vocabulary in her small group with students identified as having problems reading the words.
Your child is expected to read this story every evening as part of their homework. Please note the Reading assignment under each day of the week.
Each child is allowed to use their story during the test. They are expected to go back to the story and underline or highlight the answers in the text. (We provide a printed copy in the binder for this purpose.)
Even though they are instructed to do this, most students do not. You can help reinforce this skill at home. Have your child mark the author and or illustrator. Help them identify themes or put certain events in order. When Wednesday folders go home, please pull the reading story test and review it with your child. I will begin stapling your child's marked story to their test so you can see if they are using their strategies.
This past week, I reviewed the story and test with the whole class. We went back to the stories and located the answers. It is my hope that by doing this, maybe we will see improvements in next week's test.
Remember, in the 3rd grade, no reading tests are read to students. Each student, regardless or academic ability is expected to read their own reading test. If your child is a struggling reader, he or she will encounter problems with the test. By helping the students understand key words in directions, and by repeatedly reading the story (familiarizing themselves with the vocabulary within the story) you can help your child be more successful. It