OCTOBER 2012
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
Berewick Elementary
Parent Update
“Critical literacy views readers as active participant in the
reading process and invites them to move beyond passively
accepting the text’s message to question, examine, or dispute the
power relations that exist between readers and authors.”
McLaughlin, M., & DeVoogd, G.L. (2004).
What is Balanced Literacy?
Balanced Literacy is a researched approach to teaching that integrates four major components:

Independent Reading: Students read a variety of texts on their independent reading level. Students
respond to the text and interact with what they are reading, writing on sticky notes, or responding in
a reading journal. Teachers hold individual conferences with children about their books to support
their interactions with text.

Supported Reading: Students read teacher-selected (instructional level) or self-selected (independent
level) text. Teachers provide guidance in a variety of whole class, small group, and partner formats.
Students learn effective comprehension strategies they apply to fiction and nonfiction texts.

Word Work: Students explore the particulars of language across multiple genres including literature,
informational texts, and poetry. They investigate the meaning and structure of words and the
conventions and forms of written language through authentic text and a variety of word study
strategies.
 Writing: Through various writing experiences, students develop writing strategies and skills, learn
about the writer's craft, and use writing as a tool for learning and communication. Students write for
sustained periods, compose a variety of texts, and explore different genres and formats for a range of
purposes and for a variety of audiences. This year, CMS is focusing on students developing their
argumentative (stating an opinion and justifying it) and informative writing (factual writing).
How do I know on what level my child is reading?
We have some old and some new assessments this year. Just like last year, your child’s teacher did a running record assessment to
determine their Leveled Text Level. We are using the Fountas and Pinnell text levels this year in addition to Reading A-Z levels.
In
addition, your child took a computerized assessment, called MAP. The MAP assessment is a guideline for growth and a tool for teachers
to understand what the students know. There is no “pre-teaching” before this assessment. MAP provides another level, called the Lexile
level. There are two kinds of Lexile measures: the Lexile reader measure and the Lexile text measure. Students receive a Lexile reader
measure as a score that describes his or her reading ability. Books and other texts receive a Lexile text measure from a software tool
called the Lexile Analyzer - it describes the book's reading demand or difficulty. Check with your child’s teacher to find out their
Fountas and Pinnell level and Lexile level, and then search your books at home or the library!
Leveling Websites
For more information about Lexiles, visit their
website: http://lexile.com/
Lexiles are used in the new Common Core standards!
Fountas and Pinnell Levels:
http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/
(GR level or Guided Reading Level)
Lexile Levels: http://lexile.com/fab/
HELP!
Homework looks very
different!
One of the biggest changes we’ve made this year is that
students are actually spending most of their time READING!
It is so great to visit classrooms and see students who cannot
get enough of their books! We are teaching your children
how to interact with their books and work on THINKING
WHILE READING. Homework has changed to match
what students are working on in class.
When your child is
reading, pull up a seat next to
them and ask them about what
they are reading. Ask them to
share what they have been writing
down on their post-its or in their
notebook. Try to help them go
deeper into their books, using
critical thinking questions.
Examples:
http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/822
What’s with all the post it notes?
One of the ways students are responding to their reading is
by jotting down their thoughts on post-its. This provides a
small space for quick thoughts, questions and ideas. Post-its
are great because your child can then stick their thoughts
right on the pages in the book! Once they are finished with a
book, they can take out their post-its and stick them in a
notebook. Write the title of the book, and then keep all the
post-its for it to track all of their thinking!
Common Core &
Essential Standards
“The new normal”
Recently, our state adopted the Common Core standards
for Literacy and Math. North Carolina has also
developed new Essential Standards for Science and
Social Studies. These new standards are clearly written
and relevant to the real world; these standards ask that
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we go deeper with our understanding of fewer concepts.
They prepare our students for their future.
For more information about Common Core:
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http://www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp
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For more information about NC Essential Standards:
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http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/standards/support-tools/
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OCTOBER 2012
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
Berewick Elementary
Where did Accelerated Reader go?
Paying for access to AR was a large part of the PTA’s budget. This year, that money is being used to
purchase books to build classroom libraries! We decided that AR was not putting our money to good use, because
it focused on earning points rather than growing a love for reading. Asking students low-level questions, AR was
not preparing students to be 21st century thinkers. Also, did you know that there are websites that provide cheat
codes for AR quizzes? We couldn’t believe it either! Google that, and you will see just how many websites are
out there! This year, students will be rewarded for time spent reading books and we plan to include many more
students as they grow into readers.
For more information, please contact
Lisa Manes or Linda Schultz
lisa.manes@cms.k12.nc.us
lidna.schultz@cms.k12n.c.us
http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/berewickES