Dear Families,

Over the past month we have been very busy reading and writing. We have been meeting in small reading groups and discussing a variety of novels including, Peak By Roland Smith, Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, The Cay by Theodore Taylor, and Loser by Jerry Spinelli. The students were given the opportunity to preview the novels and rank the books in order of interest. I used that information, along with text difficulty, and which students were in the room with me at the same time to determine which book each student would read. I did tell them they will have another opporunity to read a novel they wanted to read but did not get to read this time. After break, we will begin our next novels.

The expectation is that students are also reading a self-selected book. They have a recording sheet in their binders so I can keep track of how much they are reading. By the end of the school year they should have read at least 25 books. This includes class books as well as self-selected readings. PLEASE ask them how many books they have read thus far.

We continue to also focus on informational reading. Students are struggling with identifying the author's purpose for writing the article as well as who may find the information useful. Asking your student these questions at home when they are reading magazines, newspapers, recipes, etc... will be of great benefit.

In writing, we have moved on to our next trait, Organization. We are looking at a variety of ways text is organized, depending upon the type of text. However, all texts should include the following characteristics: a sense of sequence, beginning, and ending. Ideas go together and transitions exist from one idea to another. Student papers will now be scored according to both Ideas & Organziation.

As far as homework, please check your student's agenda book. They often have reading assignments and a small writing to do along with the reading. In some instances, they may have to complete an assignment at home when it has not been turned in on time.

Lastly, we are participating in the March of Dimes reading challenge program. The students have until the beginning of November to read as many books or pages as they can. Please encourage your student to read, read, read!

Have a relaxing break! When the students return, we should be moved into the "middle school side" of the building. Yeah!!!!!

Sandy Imbriale

Curriculum and Instructional Specialist 

7th Grade Reading/Language Arts Teacher