Parent University

Reading Workshop and text levels (5/23/16)
Parents received an overview of the components of reading workshop and the focus of the units of study in ELA for grades K-8. The characteristics of text levels also were discussed, as well as grade-level expectations and some suggestions for selecting texts for summer reading.

• Presentation
• Book titles by grade level

Word Study and Interventions (6/20/16)
Parents learned more about the Chappaqua framework for elementary word study instruction, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling and vocabulary. Parents also heard about some of the interventions used for students who read texts at levels below the expectation for the grade. There also was a discussion on ways to support readers over the summer.

• Presentation
• Apps and Websites for Reinforcing Word Study Skills
• Purposes of Intervention Lesson Components
• Stages of Orthographic Development
• High Frequency Word Lists (K-2)
• High Frequency Word Lists (3-8)

Reading Comprehension (10/27/16)
Reading comprehension is taught through several different components of the District’s comprehensive literacy approach. This session provided a description of the ways reading comprehension is assessed and some of the strategies used to strengthen students’ abilities to understand what they read.

• Presentation

Writing Workshop, Handwriting and Conventions (12/15/16)
This session featured a discussion of the components of Writing Workshop and the focus of the units of study, K-8, as well as a description of how handwriting and conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar) are taught in the context of this work.

• Presentation

Strategies to support readers and writers across the grades (1/19/17)
Dr. Mary Ehrenworth of Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University. Dr. Ehrenworth spoke about ways parents can support their children with literacy skills across the grades. She also discussed what makes a difference in students' academic success as they move up the grade levels and the roles parents can play: acting as a writing partner, considering study groups, and knowing the research on factors related to achievement and happiness.

• Keeping Students Reading - Series books that appeal to many readers
  This list of series books has something for every reader. From dystopian series, to graphic novels to great picture books for reading aloud, this list is sure to provide hours of reading enjoyment.

• Courses of Study - Progression of book titles within various genres
  This list will guide readers from the least to the most difficult titles within a genre. Genres include fantasy, mystery, sports, war stories, graphic novels, strong girls stories, and more.