OSCAR Reading Program
New Reading Materials!
Literacy by Design is a K-5 reading and writing program. The program links literacy skills to social studies and science content through leveled texts. Students participate in whole group instruction and are then placed in small groups, where they work with leveled texts based on their reading level, so students can be accelerated or remediated as necessary. The lessons are designed with a gradual release of responsibility model. Specifically, the lesson involves modeled reading when skills are modeled by the teacher, shared reading with direct skill instruction, interactive reading with partner skill practice, small group instruction to practice targeted skills, and independent reading when students practice applying targeted skills. Also, Literacy by Design includes several technology-based supports for students.
We are excited to have additional reading materials to support Heusner students as they develop as readers!
It’s OSCAR time at Heusner School and the Heusner Staff is excited to be a part of this reading initiative focused on helping every child reach his/her potential in reading. The Heusner staff recognizes that reading is the most important subject taught in the elementary school years. A solid reading foundation is essential for every child to be successful in school and in life. After researching best practices for reading, the Heusner staff has developed a reading program for Heusner students including the following key elements:
· Intensive, early intervention to give kindergartners and first graders a solid reading foundation
· Students reading at their level with the opportunity to progress at their own rate
· Small class size for struggling readers
· A solid phonics program and phonemic awareness for beginning readers
· Exposure to quality, real literature through oral reading by the teacher to increase vocabulary of readers
· A rich classroom library of reading materials at the students’ reading skill level
· Increased opportunities for increasing reading fluency through partner reading
· Attention to meaningful vocabulary development related to the reading selection
· Emphasis on reading comprehension through higher order questioning skills and rich class discussion
· Exposure to a variety of literature genre—many categories of literary composition
· Attention to not only narrative selections but also expository, persuasive, and technical reading
· Alignment with the USD 305 Curriculum and the Kansas State Standards
How is the Reading Initiative Implemented at Heusner?
Heusner staff has set aside a portion of the school day as an uninterrupted reading instruction time (Kdgn – 60 minutes/1st, 2nd & 3rd – 120 minutes/4th & 5th – 90 minutes). The first half of OSCAR is whole group instruction where students are exposed to on grade level text and skills. The second half is leveled reading time where students are engaged in reading text at their instructional level. Homeroom teachers also extend reading time beyond the OSCAR time in the classroom to continue teaching reading skills. Certified teachers--including the At Risk Teachers, interrelated special education teachers, and ESL teacher—join homeroom teachers as reading teachers. Increasing the number of reading teachers creates opportunities for some smaller classes for beginning readers and struggling readers, team teaching, and accelerated levels.
At the beginning of the year each student’s reading skill level is determined. A reading selection is read by the student in the fall, winter, and spring to monitor his/her growth. Each student’s progress is monitored weekly in the classroom. Due to the flexible groups, students may be moved to a different skill level at anytime during the year to match their reading progress. We consult with parents when there is a change in reading levels.
We ask parents to set aside time at home to read with their child on a daily basis. The OSCAR Reading At-Home program is designed to support and motivate students to improve their reading skill level.