There are many parts of my reading class. This is an overview of the types of instruction your child will receive.
+ Read Aloud I will read a novel and the students will visualize and listen for various ideas in the story.
+ Whole Group Instruction This is a mini-lesson where I will teach strategies and concepts.
+ Guided Reading This is a time for a small group of students to meet with me. We will focus on the areas most needed at their reading level.
+ Stations/Independent Work Students will have various activities that will reinforce the concepts taught during the Whole group time. It also helps review previously learned strategies.
+ Self-Selected Reading Students are expected to be reading at least one novel to completion. This time is done through-out the day.

Having good strategies while reading is key to success. We will discuss these in class.
This is a Powerpoint link (from the LISD Teacher Resources) that reviews these good strategies:
classroom.leanderisd.org/webs/elemla/upload/reading_strategies.ppt

My motto in class is "Students are never finished."
This especially applies to reading books. I expect students to read and finish at least 1 novel during the 1st Nine Weeks and 2 novels during the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Nine Weeks. Some students go above and beyond that expectation. Once a student finishes reading an appropriate level book, they go to my filing cabinet and choose a book report form. All book reports are one page forms that are designed to demonstrate a general understanding of the books read.
Once a book report is turned in and graded, I give each student the opportunity to complete a Book Bingo card. This encourages students to read different varieties and genres of books. With proper planning and strategy, students can complete a "Bingo" and earn a free book from my library. The record stands at 4 Bingos held by Elizabeth M. during the 2006/2007 school year!! (I'm still waiting for a black-out.) I will be putting a copy of the book bingo on my downloads page as well as a few of my book reports (copyright laws prevent me from posting the commercial made reports)