RTI Reading Newsletter
April 2025
- Objective: Get your kiddo(s) outside and engaged with their surroundings.
- How to do it: Create a list of things they can find in nature, like a “yellow flower,” “bird’s nest,” or “a butterfly.” As children find each item, have them describe it in detail (size, color, shape). Encourage them to write down the words and sentences describing their findings in a journal or on a piece of paper.
- Literacy Skills: Vocabulary development, sentence formation, descriptive writing.
- Objective: Celebrate National Poetry Month (April).
- How to do it: Introduce simple poems or rhyming activities to your child(ren). Help your child(ren) create a poem about spring using nature-themed words (flowers, rain, clouds, sunshine, etc.). They can use acrostic poems (where each letter of the word starts a new line) or simple rhymes.
- Literacy Skills: Rhyming, creative writing, vocabulary.
- Objective: Foster creativity and narrative skills.
- How to do it: Use a list of spring-themed story starters such as:
"One rainy afternoon, I found a magical umbrella that could fly..."
-
"A bunny hopped into my backyard and started talking!"
-
"I discovered a secret garden under the big oak tree."
You can have your child(ren) complete the story and either write or dictate it to them.
Literacy Skills: Story structure, creativity, writing practice.
- Objective: Make reading a more interactive, seasonal experience.
- How to do it: You can read with your kiddo(s) outside, whether it's on a porch, in the backyard, or at the park. You could bring out books related to nature or any topic enjoyed by the child(ren). Use reading time to discuss the book’s characters, settings, and events.
- Literacy Skills: Comprehension, fluency, connection to nature.
- Objective: Build vocabulary.
- How to do it: You can help your child(ren) create a “Spring Word Wall” at home. This could be done by writing spring-related words (like flowers, rain, blossom, breeze) on index cards or pieces of paper and posting them around the house. Every day, have the child(ren) choose one word to practice spelling and use in a sentence.
- Literacy Skills: Vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure.
- Objective: Encourage regular reading and interaction with different types of books.
- How to do it: Create a "book bingo" card with different reading categories (e.g., “Read a book with an animal,” “Read a book about spring,” “Read a funny book,” “Read a book with a red cover”). You can encourage your child(ren) to fill out the bingo card throughout the month.
- Literacy Skills: Exposure to different genres, comprehension, and regular reading practice.
- Objective: Combine crafting with literacy.
- How to do it: You can help your child(ren) create a "recycled" storybook using old magazines, newspapers, and scrap paper. They can cut out pictures that spark ideas for a story, then write a short tale to go with the pictures. This can help develop creativity and storytelling.
- Literacy Skills: Creativity, writing, critical thinking.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you need to. I am happy to meet and answer any questions if you feel it is necessary, as well.
Email: rchaney@wadsworthschools.org
Text/phone: (330) 461-1998
