Reading Activity for at Home

When they are working with me in small groups during Literacy Stations this week, each child will be given a leveled book to keep. In our group, students are reading the book and practicing using decoding strategies while I listen in. When they are successful decoding a difficult word, they are instructed to circle the word with a highlighter. If they are unable to decode it, they highlight the word completely. Afterwards, we discuss these circled or highlighted words as a group. Students have a chance to explain how they decoded words, or if they were unsuccessful, we work together as a group to  figure it out. This activity has been extremely successful in helping students to think about their learning and how to apply the decoding strategies. I have asked the students to read the book at home with someone and to discuss the decoding strategies with them. I have only worked with two or three groups from each class so far, so if the book does not arrive home tonight, you can expect it over the next day or two. The children are very proud of their learning and I hope that you are able to take the time to discuss it with them (: