Commonly Asked Questions With The Answers About
STARBOOKS CAFE BOOK CLUB
1. Does my child have to read every night?
Yes, absolutely!!! We are trying to build a routine of reading and in order for this to be routine
it must occur EVERY DAY!!
2. What does my child have to read?
Anything and everything!! The Take Home Shared Reading plastic binder has new texts added
each week and these are excellent choices for reading. First grade sight words are in a home
flip book, yellow posters, and on the back of the red Starbooks folder and should be read as
often as possible. Your child can take any text they want home to read plus we visit the school
library once a week. Books you already have at home are great too! There should never be a
lack of material to read and reread.
3. What is the stuff in the brown bag for?
To motivate and get the class excited we made many items to use in your Starbooks reading
spot at home. All the materials in the brown bag should stay in your reading spot at home; save
the brown paper bag to collect reading materials in.
4. What is the red reading log for?
During the month of August, your child should be writing down the title of the text they read in
this reading log. By now your child should have recorded at least six titles in this log. Please be
sure to have your child write the titles. We will be turning in this reading log at the end of the
month. In September the reading log expectation will change.
5. What about math homework?
Your child already has the zero flashcards to use at home. There will be reading related to
math put in the Take Home Shared Reading binder plus more flashcards coming home too. So
we are doing math homework, it is always a choice for reading each month. Plus don’t forget
about the AdaptedMind online math program that each student has a user name and password
for. Look for the letter to parents in your child’s Starbooks Cafe red plastic folder.
6. What about Raz-Kids that we did last year?
Your child is already enrolled in Bunnell University Raz-Kids and received a user name and
password. The user name is mrsbu and the password is your child’s id number. So, Raz-Kids is
also always a choice for reading each night.
7. How long do we have to read?
There is no time limit. A general guideline is that 10 minutes of reading and 5 minutes of
writing the title in the reading log should work at first. It is the goal that the time is less of a
concern and the habit is developed and enjoyed.
8. What about if the reading and writing is frustrating for parents?
This is a new habit we are trying to establish and most students are beginning readers. They
are not use to reading every night nor do many of them see themselves as readers just yet. So
this process will take time. Be patient and encouraging. Remind your child that this is required
but they get to choose the text or texts to read. Make a game or contest out of the reading if
necessary to motivate them. There will be more tips for parents as the months progress.
9. Can the parent read to their child?
Absolutely!!! Try to seat your child next to you so they can see the words. Point to the words
as you are reading. Stop after a couple of pages to talk about the story. Or if your child stops
you in the middle of a page, take the time to discuss what is happening. It is O.K. if you do not
finish the book; just use our cool owl bookmark to mark your place.
10. My child wants to read the same things over and over again. Is that O.K.?
Yes, remember there is power in rereading and your child will build confidence in themselves by
doing so. As I get to know your child more, I will be making suggestions for reading some weeks.
We will talk about his in class first but for now just read, and read, and read!!!
11. What about these yellow stars in the Start-Up Bag?
We will talk about these in class this week. Basically when you and your child are reading each
night, if there is a book that is a family favorite or one your child really likes, the star is for
your child to record the title of that book and the author. They can bring in the yellow star and
he/she will share the title of that favorite to the class. This may motivate or interest the
other scholars in class. The yellow stars will be posted on your child’s large pencil we have made
in the class. They will also receive a hero card for their efforts.
12. Do I have to be a guest reader for the class?
Many parents or family members have already signed up to be a guest reader for the class. So
far three school personnel have been our guest readers. It is wonderful for a child to see
someone they know and love read to them. It would be awesome to have everyone come into
class and read. If you have not signed up and would like to know the available dates, please
email me at
kbunnell@cnusd.k12.ca.us
13. How will you know my child is reading at home?
It is easy to tell. First of all, the students tell me the truth about reading or not reading.
Second, I will be collecting the monthly reading log and looking at the progress. Third, your
child will be mastering first grade sight words, be getting better with their writing, and moving
up in their reading level. If all of these do not occur, I will know there is no reading going on at
home. I hope this does not happen.
14. My question was not asked, what should I do?
Just email me with any and all concerns, comment or questions:
kbunnell@cnusd.k12.ca.us