This post is about setting up a classroom and home reading program in the primary classroom. It includes free printable sheets to create home reading folders.
Setting Up A Classroom and Home Reading Program
Today I am sharing a way of setting up a classroom and home reading program in your classroom. I have been teaching students to read for nearly a decade, and in that time, I have tried a lot of different approaches. This system is the way that I have set it up in my classroom, and I have had a lot of success with it! I hope that I can help you set-up your class and students for reading success!
Daily Read to Self Time
Classroom Reading System
Leveled Book Baskets with “Just Right” Books
FREE Reading Comprehension Mats
Give students a little extra practice when it comes to reading with these comprehension mats. Perfect for daily or weekly practice.
Click the image below.
Once they understand all about finding the right books, I begin to give them the opportunity of choosing their books for their book baskets. They each have their reading basket that I number (saves me having to relabel each year!), and they LOVE being able to fill it with books they choose. I have them pick three books from their “just-right” reading basket (the one with the clothespin on it) and three books of their choosing from any other bins in the classroom. I should also mention that I have a group of students who are reading chapter books/more difficult material (they are beyond the levels on the bins), so they get to choose their own six books for the week.
Book Shopping and Student Book Bins
At the beginning of DEAR time each day, I have a different guided reading group “book shop” for new books. This system keeps things organized and minimizes the noise and chaos that putting away and taking new books can create.
Home Reading Program
Creating Home Reading Folders
Just as important as developing a classroom reading program, I feel that setting up a program that parents and guardians can quickly implement at home is vital for reading growth and enjoyment. I hear from a lot of families, especially those with minimal resources or access to books, that this program helps keep their kids on track with their reading and guides families in what to do to build fluent, confident, and engaged readers.
This is my 2nd year using folders (I’ve used Ziplock bags in the past), and I love how I can customize them with a cover on the front, and a sheet of questions parents could ask as their child reads on the back. Inside I also place a letter from me explaining how the program runs and what their role is at home. These sheets are provided as a FREEBIE later.
For durability, I laminate the folders not once but twice to create some sustainability. I hope that these folders last for a good part of the year. I also love using different colors of cardstock for the covers.
Now this great idea was not my own but came from Rachelle over at What A Teacher Wants. To keep your folders closed, use some Velcro strips cut into pieces (or use dots) and attach to the flap of the envelope. This works like a charm! Such an easy and effective way to keep those books safe inside, and it lasts longer than a Ziplock.
FREE Home Reading Folders
Get students reading at home and help parents in the process with these Home Reading Folders! Super easy to put together and you can grab a FREE copy.
Click the image below.
Organizing Home Reading Folders
Every day, I request that my students turn in their folders. In this way, they might like to practice or share (we all share our readers later in the year). I change the readers every Friday before the weekend. I also let them know that if they are ready sooner and their parents request a new reader, they may place their folder on my desk. Then, I will have them read to me and then switch their books on that day as well.
After a little practice, these things become routine. Before I know it, my kiddos are hopping along with the levels and progressing well.