Parent Resources: Info on Accelerated Reader/Reading & writing workshop info/Parenting Advice/etc.

Click on the links below for LOTS & LOTS of helpful information!

Accelerated Reader will be utilized in your child's 2nd grade classroom on an independent basis as children reach "independent reading" status. Your child's reading skills will be assessed using the STAR computerized/individualized test to determine his/her appropriate reading level when he/she is able to read the 100 word list that will come home in increments. After a reading level is determined, she/he will read books within their individual reading range and take a computer based test on each book. A point goal will be set for your child and the tests for which a score of 85% or higher within the set reading level range will earn points for your child's 6 week goal period. Celebrations/incentives are offered for achieving his/her goal! The Orvis Risner media center has an ample supply of AR books, but some families like to have the list when they make trips to the Edmond Public Library. The link on the left will provide you with a list of books for which an "AR" test is available. You can print the list sorted by title, author, or reading level. I would suggest printing by reading level as your child will know what her/his level is when choosing their books at school. The link on the right will let you take a Sample Quiz!

ALSO: Click here for a direct link to the Edmond Public Library!!

Writing Workshop

I utilize a writing method called, "The Four Square". This method can be used with all forms of writing and is extremely effective in teaching children how to organize their thoughts into a logical, organized, fully-developed paragraph. This step-by-step approach is built around a simple graphic organizer that first shows students how to collect and categorize ideas and then helps them use those ideas to create clear and polished prose. My students will be writing mature paragraphs by the end of the first quarter. Their skills will then be showcased in a variety of ways including writing a "Guest Author" article for our weekly newsletter and publishing a research report. Yes! 2nd graders CAN write research papers!!! :) This method builds confidence in students' writing skills as well as:

Teaches Prewriting and Organization
Works Cross-Curriculum
Prepares Students for Demand/Prompt Writing
Empowers Students to Write with Confidence
Helps Improve Test Scores

Reading Workshop

Tuesday through Friday mornings in our College ~ Bound class are centered around Literacy based stations and Guided Reading groups. The students are placed in "Stations Groups": Frog, Butterfly, Flower and Rainbow. These groups are NOT leveled and are dynamic in nature. Students rotate to learning "Stations" with group members to 4 stations daily. Our district adopted Basal series as well as other reading materials are used in these lessons. These stations include:

Read the Room / ABC / Listening / Poetry / PaperPencil / Seat Work / Partner Read / Independent Read / Computer / Cards / Journal (Writing or Vocabulary) / Math / Parking Lot (where unfinished work from other stations is placed and can be completed when students finish a station early)

During Station Rotations, reading groups are called to Ms. Courtney's Teacher Table for individualized reading instruction. These groups, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green ARE leveled and they, too, are dynamic. Teacher Table lessons include phonics, reading aloud and silently, Row-Your-Boat reading, comprehension strategies, thinking skills, sequencing, main ideas, details, story elements, genre and MUCH, MUCH more!

Accelerated Math

Four years ago I previewed a new supplemental math program called Accelerated Math which is provided by the same company as Accelerated Reader which is used school-wide at Orvis Risner. AM is a computer based math program which includes over 150 objectives for the 2nd grade level. Accelerated Math objectives are aligned with Oklahoma Skills Standards as well as with Edmond Public Schools' curriculum standards. Students move at their own pace working on skills appropriate for their individual needs. A "Practice" packet is printed according to the objectives assigned by the teacher. Students complete the packet by filling in a ScanTron, then scanning the card in the AM Scanner. A report is printed allowing the teacher several options: Provide intervention mini-individual-power-lessons to help the student better understand the concepts then assign further "Practice" / Print an "Exercise" packet / Assign and print a "Test" covering the assigned skills.

Accelerated Math is fun for the students, individualized, and constantly reviews students over objectives which were "Mastered" in earlier assignments. For teachers, AM is a reliable means to provide on-going assessment and to allow students to move at his/her own level and at her/his own pace. It is not only beneficial for remediation, but I have found it to be a great resource for children who need more challenge! Printed reports also keep parents up-to-date on their child's progress.

This program has proved to be a huge success! My second grade students' knowledge of math concepts increased tremendously after implementing this program over the last 4 years. Grades 3 - 5 in our school have been using this program in conjunction with our district adopted series for some time and have seen great improvement in test scores! I will be using the AM program for 2nd grade again this year. I'm thoroughly convinced that it will be of great benefit to all students!

For more information on Accelerated Math, please click on one of the links below:

About the Program

View the "Assignment" book

View Sample Reports

Skill Objectives for 2nd Grade

Parent Advice More Advice

As an educator, the best advice I can offer parents is to be supportive, encouraging, and interested in your child's academic success. Reading together daily, by both reading aloud to your child as well as having her/him read aloud to you, ensures the best success and growth in your child's reading achievement. Math is easily practiced at home as well by using the practice pages which will come home at the beginning of each new math chapter, practicing basic facts daily, completing the weekly Accelerated Math exercises, and through discovery of math principles by practicing meaningful skills at home with parents. Click on this link for more advice on how you can help your young learner in all areas of academic, social, and emotional development. The second link is for practical advice based on the latest research on the most difficult aspect of child-rearing: discipline.