Reading+FAQs

Reading FAQs

What is my child's reading level? Reading is a process that takes place over a continuum and varies greatly between individuals, even when they are the same age. However, there are average reading rates and levels that can serve as benchmarks. DRA and F&P are leveling systems used to maximize reading instruction and independent reading. Both systems take into account word recognition, fluency, and comprehension to provide an overall level. Students will be assessed throughout the year to determine their instructional reading level (which is used during small group reading instruction) and their independent reading level (which is used to select books from our classroom leveled library).
 * Measure || Beginning of Third Grade  || End of Third Grade  ||
 * Oral reading rate || 100 words per minute  || 130 words per minute  ||
 * DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) || 30  || 38  ||
 * F&P (Fountas&Pinnell) || N  || P  ||

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What are book bags? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Each student will receive a book bag, which should travel between home and school daily, to hold their class and school library books. Children will select 2-3 books from our classroom leveled library to read during the week. Please note that this independent reading level is below the instructional reading level used during small-group reading. Our class will visit the school library on Monday to check out new books.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What is CAFÉ? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Café stands for different components of reading: (C)omprehension, (A)ccuracy, (F)luency, and (E)xpanding Vocabulary. Students will practice different strategies for each of these components as a class and in small groups throughout the year.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What is iStation? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Students can access this online reading program at school and home; their ID & password are taped inside their agenda. Each month, the individualized program gives a reading test and provides practice according to its results. Monthly reports will be sent home in September, January, and May. Make sure you use the domain //kolter.houston.tx//. There is also a free app that can be downloaded for use on iPads.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What is Wordly Wise? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wordly Wise is a reading program to build vocabulary. Each lesson focuses on understanding and using 10 words. The Wordly Wise website has free flash cards and games for each lesson. Click on "Free Online Resources," then select “students,” “book 3,” and the lesson number. There is also a free app that can be downloaded for practice on iPads.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What can I do to help my child at home? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Children should be in the habit of reading for at least 30 minutes per day. You can take turns reading pages with them, or they can read on their own. Stop and discuss what is happening to help with comprehension. Parent Pipeline handouts will be sent home periodically; they are aligned to the CAFÉ strategies we are learning and can be used to ask questions. Most comprehension strategies can also be used to discuss movies and television shows!