Back-To-School Reading Orientation Brochure
The ability to establish clear expectations for students and families and create an environment that encourages ongoing collaboration and dialogue between the teacher, students, and families is an important skill for reading teachers. Families typically want to know what their students are reading, why specific reading selections have been made, and how to ask questions and express concerns they may have about what their child is reading. It is also important that students feel energized and excited about engaging in reading activities.
Imagine you are teaching students in the 4-8 grade range and your principal has asked you to prepare back-to-school reading orientation materials for families. Create the materials in the brochure format (300-400 words).
The back-to-school information should include the following:
Definition of children's literature and explanation of why it is valuable in education. Include discussion of the specific reading skills students will learn and practice and how these align to learning standards.
Research commonly read books for Grades 4-8 and create a list of five books you plan to read with students during the school year. Include an explanation of how and why the books were selected and how the books support state standards and the content taught in other curricular areas.
Describe how you will differentiate reading experiences for students based upon their reading ability and individual interests. Include discussion of how you will direct students in selecting books that are appropriate for them as individuals and will help them grow as readers and further develop their reading skills.
Discuss censorship and inform families that some literature may present content that could create questions or be concerning to them. Explain the research-based evidence and rationale for exposing students to a variety of texts and topics, even those that might be considered controversial.
Provide tips for families to help their children succeed in reading and in the classroom. Outline the communication steps families should take if they want to express concerns about and discuss classroom literature selections.
Back-to-School Reading Orientation: Empowering Students Through Literature
Welcome to Our Reading Community!
We are thrilled to welcome you and your child to our reading community for the upcoming school year! This brochure aims to provide you with important information about our approach to children’s literature and how it supports your child’s educational journey. We believe that reading is not only a fundamental skill but also an exciting adventure that opens doors to new worlds and ideas. Let’s dive in!
What is Children’s Literature?
Children’s literature encompasses books specifically written for young readers, ranging from picture books to novels. It plays a vital role in education as it cultivates imagination, fosters empathy, and enhances critical thinking skills. Through carefully selected texts, students will develop and practice essential reading skills, including:
Comprehension: Understanding the main ideas, characters, and plot of a story.
Vocabulary: Expanding word knowledge and understanding context clues.
Fluency: Reading smoothly, with appropriate pace, expression, and accuracy.
Textual Analysis: Identifying literary elements such as themes, symbolism, and character development.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating texts to form independent opinions.
Our Book Selections: A Journey of Learning
Throughout the school year, we will engage in exciting literary adventures with your child through a range of books. Here are five books we plan to explore together:
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: This beloved classic explores friendship, imagination, and overcoming challenges. It supports state standards for character development and empathy.
The Giver by Lois Lowry: This thought-provoking dystopian novel encourages critical thinking and discussions about societal norms. It aligns with state standards for analyzing themes and making connections to real-world issues.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio: This inspiring story promotes kindness and empathy, addressing themes of acceptance and embracing differences. It supports state standards for character education and social-emotional learning.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: This engaging fantasy adventure introduces Greek mythology while reinforcing reading comprehension skills. It aligns with state standards for analyzing myths and legends.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson: This memoir-in-verse celebrates diversity, identity, and the power of storytelling. It supports state standards for analyzing poetry and exploring personal narratives.
Each of these books has been carefully selected to align with state standards across various curricular areas while providing engaging content that sparks curiosity and ignites a love for reading.
Differentiating Reading Experiences
We recognize that each student has unique reading abilities and interests. To ensure personalized growth, we will differentiate reading experiences by:
Assessing your child’s reading level using various methods, such as running records and comprehension assessments.
Providing a wide range of books at different reading levels within our classroom library.
Encouraging students to set personalized reading goals based on their interests and challenge themselves with age-appropriate texts.
Offering guidance in selecting books that match their reading abilities while encouraging them to explore new genres and authors.
We firmly believe that individualized reading experiences promote growth and enable students to become confident, lifelong readers.
Embracing Controversial Topics
Literature occasionally touches upon topics that may raise questions or concerns for families. However, research shows that exposing students to diverse texts fosters critical thinking skills, empathy, and a broader worldview. We value open dialogue and encourage families to engage in respectful conversations about any concerns they may have about classroom literature selections. Together, we can explore these topics while nurturing a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to support your child’s success in reading and the classroom:
Foster a love for reading at home by setting aside dedicated time for reading each day.
Engage in conversations about books your child is reading to deepen comprehension and critical thinking.
Encourage your child to explore different genres and authors outside of assigned readings.
Establish a quiet and comfortable space at home for independent reading or homework completion.
If you have concerns or would like to discuss classroom literature selections, please reach out to us through email or schedule a meeting. We value your input and are committed to open communication.
We look forward to an incredible year of exploration, growth, and shared literary adventures with your child. Together, let’s empower them to become lifelong readers who embrace the transformative power of literature!