Support your children by encouraging them to read at home. Lead by example! Your child's teacher will inform you of your child's reading level. It is important that your child practicing reading at or near this level to encourage growth as a reader. Reading too low/too high greatly stifles growth. At home, you can look your child's books up on arbookfind.com to check the book level (BL) and to see if the book has an AR quiz. If so, jot the number down and stick it inside the book so your child can go to school and quiz on the book to earn points and prizes.
The Scholastic books that are used in class, and are available to you through monthly book orders, level books using letters A-Z, which is called Fountas & Pinnell leveling. F & P is named after Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell, two ladies who pioneered the concept of guided reading. Use this correlation chart to determine which level is appropriate for your child when purchasing books. This can be done by first looking up the AR level given to you and your child by your child's teacher to check out books in the school library. Locate the AR (ATOS) level and sliding your finger over to the Fountas and Pinnell column or the lexile score depending on what is available on the book you are looking to purchase.
If you are concerned about your child's academic progress, talk to your child's teacher and follow the tips they give you to support your child. If your child continues to struggle, go back and talk to the teacher again. Consistent, positive communication and teamwork is key.
Support your child at home by making sure they get enough rest and have a quiet place to work on school work. Most importantly, talk to them and give them your full emotional support.
Academic improvement may take weeks, if not months, depending on your individual child's needs. After sufficient time has been given, if you continue to see your child struggle despite their efforts and the efforts of their support team (you and the teacher), ask your child's teacher to identify the next step in helping your child.
Please remember that not every child is going to be a straight-A student. Our goal is for your child to be proficient with the learning standards set forth by the state of Missouri. However, if your child consistently fails to meet their learning goals, is a year or more behind grade-level in reading, and cannot comprehend what they've read, it may be time to ask your child's teacher if he or she observes any signs of a learning disability. For more information on learning disabilities, educate yourself at www.understood.org.