Independent Reading Programs Starting in October

     I have been working with the classroom teachers to revamp and unify the independent reading programs for each grade.  We started by reviewing our goals.  What did we want this activity to accomplish?  We want kids to choose to read, to read for pleasure as well as for knowledge, and to find materials that they will finish.  It became clear that some of our previous practices, such as having parents sign off on the number of minutes read each day, weren't really accomplishing this, so we came up with new ideas.
     The fourth grade will have a different focus each trimester, so we can introduce them to as many genres, authors, and series as possible.  The fifth grade will emphasize setting goals and reading at least one book a month that covers a topic that matches what is being discussed in science or social studies.  Both grades will track the reading they are doing and will have opportunities each week to share their reading.  Some small prizes may be awarded, as well.
     A letter should be coming out from the classroom teachers with more details.  Both approaches are designed to allow students at different levels to reach their potential and still be part of the program.  I will also be celebrating some of our readers in the LMC with pictures and posters of books they recommend.  At home, we ask that time is provided for reading and talking about what is being read.  There is simply no better way to build interest and motivation than to share what we are reading, and we want to build that culture of reading in our school and at home.  I hope you will join us on our new reading adventures!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to all students, staff and families!  Here at the Meadowview Intermediate Library Media Center (LMC), we are excited to start our new school year.   Mrs. Teresa Anderson has joined us as the new LMC secretary; she will be working here most mornings. 

We have a few other changes that will be happening as the year goes on.  iPad access to the catalog and eBooks are two of the biggest changes.  Students will learn that there is, indeed, an app for that!  We will also be working hard to gear instruction to the classroom curriculum.  Our goal is to help students make those connections between what goes on in the classroom and the outside world.   We will also be adding internet etiquette and safety lessons to the LMC skills classes.  We want our students to be safe, secure, and savvy online, so we will try to give them some tools for achieving that goal.

Finally, both Mrs. Anderson and I will be working on being more involved with students' independent reading.  We have already been discussing some ideas for how to provide our students with more opportunities to share what they read and to build reading motivation.

It will be a busy and productive year.  We look forward to working with all the students and staff here ate Meadowview Intermediate.  If you are ever in the building, feel free to stop in and visit.  We would love to see you!