"You can't change the World.  But you can help one person in a single place."

Mrs. Coles – Intensive Reading

Room 314

Dear Parents/Guardians,

            Welcome back! I hope every one had a great summer vacation. I am looking forward to having a great year in Reading!

            As a reminder, in my class, we will work on skills that will improve the students’ reading and vocabulary.  We will also work on some writing skills. This will help them improve their FCAT scores and make better grades in their classes. It is hard work that can sometimes be frustrating, but I hope to make reading as fun as possible.   Homework daily (read 20 minutes) students will be randomly called on to explain their book to the class.  Other reading assignments maybe used such as; Science, History, etc.  Students must indicate in their planner what was read.  Parents must sign their student planner daily.  No homework will be given on the weekends.  Students may read and receive extra credit.

            During the year we will continue to focus on improving reading skills and working on test taking skills. At least once a week I will be sending home a short homework assignment designed to practice FCAT skills. Please check your child’s planner every night to see what his or her homework is. I also sign planners daily so you should see my initials next to every homework assignment.

            In the second and fourth nine weeks we will be working on a research project. Some of the work will be done in groups/pairs while some will be completed independently.  Information on the research projects will be given at a later date.  

Supplies:

Students must have these items with them everyday:

·        a three ring binder (may leave in class)

·        plenty of loose-leaf notebook paper

·        STUDENT PLANNER (this will be signed daily)

·        SCHOOL ISSUED hall pass (passes will NOT be written without it)

Students will also need a small Dictionary for this class.

***Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you my have. The BEST way to contact me is by e-mail at coless@brevard.k12.fl.us .  I check my e-mail every day when I can take time to give it the attention it needs. Of course you may call the school at 722-4150 ext. 2314.

Sincerely,

Selena Coles

Reading Teacher

Central Middle School

Throughout the first semester the students will learn Reading Strategies to use when faced with long reading passages.  Ask your students to demonstrate to you how it's done with their homework assignments.  Here are the steps to look for:

1.  Read the Title (What do I know about this subject)

2.  Number the Paragraphs (The students will not have to spend time searching the entire passage)

3.  Read the questions first and underline what they are asking you to do (Helps to know what you are looking for)

4.  Begin to read the passage.  Use your highlighting or underlining technique to bring what's important in the passage to your attention.  (Use the information from your questions)

5.  Answer your questions using all of the information from highlighting and underlining.

Extra FCAT HELP is available at:  www.fcatexplorer.com

The sign-on is:  your FIRST NAME

The password is:  005LAST NAME