First Grade Take Home Reading Program

Each child takes home a plastic bag with a book/books and a verification sheet each night, Tuesday through Friday. Students then read the story aloud to an adult at night. As the child reads the story, he/she points to each word so that he/she is matching voice with print. Once this is underway, an index card can be used to show an entire line of text at one time. The participating adult records the title (s) and then the student returns the books and recording sheet the next day. Every time a recording sheet is completely filled in, the child selects a small reward from a box of goodies.

The practice time (5-10 minutes) at home should be a fun-filled and rewarding experience for every first grader. Teachers direct students to the appropriate book levels so that the student will experience success by being able to read smoothly and fluently. Reading should sound like talk. In the event the child's book selection is too difficult or is frustrating for any reason, the adult is instructed to read the book to the student. Once a child has finished reading, he/she retells the story in his/her own words. As the student is retelling the events of the story, the parent guides the students to include information about the characters, setting, problem and solution. In addition, students are encouraged to reread a favorite, familiar or repetitive part. Students are encouraged to reread their books so as to practice high frequency words and thereby, building a reader's confidence. Ideally, the child should be reading fluently with 90% accuracy. The child should "read like we talk".

Students are placed at the appropriate level which is lower than the level where each is instructed in the classroom. The reading level for the Take Home Reading Program will be where a child can read independently, that is, with very little assistance. Each child selects and reads books at that level for a minimum of two weeks. After the child experiences success for approximately two weeks, then the teacher will gently guide the child to the next book level.

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