End of the 4th six weeks

Can you believe it's the end of the 4th 6 weeks?  Time is flying by.  The benchmark testing is over and we survived!!  The scores on math and reading were OK.  I look at a grade of 75 or higher on math and reading to be a good indicator of who needs help.  Mrs. Trantham and Mrs. Rorrer are my tutoring helpers and they are amazing.  They are pulling kids any moment they are in the room to help out.

Please continue to encourage reading at home.  I hope everyone is liking the READO. 

I also hope everyone is liking the NEW spelling.  I think it is a good step for these ALMOST 6th graders to be responsible for their spelling.  If your child has spelling homework written in their planner it means they failed the test the previous week.  They are responsible for everything-the list, the studying, the test and the grading.  It makes more sense for them to spell words they don't know.  We'll see how it works out :)

Parent Mtg. for chaperones March 1-it's hard to believe it is almost here.  I'm pumped!!!!

Have a great break-it's SPRING cleaning time in Mrs. Carroll's class-it will look totally different when the kids come back.  Love ya'll!!!

10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader-Food For Thought

10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader

1. Read from day one. Start a reading routine in those very first days with a newborn. Even very young babies respond to the warmth of a lap and the soothing sound of a book being read aloud.
2. Share books every day. Read with your child every day, even after he becomes an independent reader.
3. Reread favorites. Most children love to hear their favorite stories over and over again. Rereading books provides an opportunity to hear or see something that may have been missed the first time, and provides another chance to hear a favorite part.
4. Send positive messages about the joys of literacy. Your own interest and excitement about books will be contagious!
5. Visit the library early and often. Public libraries are great resources for books, helpful advice about authors and illustrators, story times, and more. Make visiting the library part of your family’s routine.
6. Find the reading and writing in everyday things. Take the time to show your child ways that adults use reading and writing every day. Grocery lists, notes to the teacher, maps, and cooking all involve important reading and writing skills.
7. Give your reader something to think and talk about. There are many different types of books available to readers. Vary the types of books you check out from the library, and seek out new subjects that give you and your reader something to think and talk about.
8. Talk, talk, talk. A child’s vocabulary grows through rich conversations with others. No matter your child’s age, narrate what you’re doing, talk in full sentences, and sprinkle your conversations with interesting words.
9. Know your stuff. Parents don’t need to be reading specialists, but it is important to understand the basics about learning to read.
10. Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Parents are often the first ones to recognize a problem. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your child’s teacher and your pediatrician.  It’s never too early to check in with an expert.


Look for new books and authors that your child may enjoy.
Organize an area dedicated to reading and writing tools, including paper and writing utensils
Visit the library for story time and book recommendations
Encourage your child to talk about what he’s read

Talk to your child, and sprinkle interesting words into your conversation.
Offer a variety of books to read.

Read with your child every day.
Expand your home library to include magazines and non fiction
Ask questions if you’re concerned about your child’s development.
Decide to raise a reader!

Mrs. Carroll is doing her part!  Are you doing yours?