Reading

Recently, fourth graders had the opportunity to help a published author complete her next work. Through cooperation with the Young Editors Project, an organization that connects young readers with authors who write for them, students were able to read an unfinished manuscript of a graphic novel targeted for children in their age group. As a class, we read the entire text of the story, and about a third of the illustrations were completed for us to enjoy. The chance to read a fantastic book, still unfinished and unavailable to others, was thrilling! As we read the story aloud, we placed...Read more

While conducting a literature review on teacher enthusiasm during my graduate studies, I discovered that there are numerous positive effects on students when educators are enthusiastic about teaching and passionate about their content areas. The literature review consistently revealed greater amounts of intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy among students when high levels of teacher enthusiasm were present. 

Joining the fifth grade teaching team at Rossman this year has only increased my awareness of the positive effects that teacher enthusiasm can have on student outcomes. For Mr...Read more

Senior Kindergarten is an exciting year full of growth and development. The students enter the classroom on the first day of school excited for what is to come and all there is to accomplish. Steadily, programs and topics are introduced throughout the school year to help the students learn new strategies and master concepts. Two essential programs introduced during Senior Kindergarten are Guided Reading Groups and Writing Workshop.

In our daily Guided Reading Groups, students participate in small group activities that help them combine their previous knowledge with newly acquired...Read more

None would argue that reading is essential to a child’s success. Visiting your public library and arming your child with a library card will help prepare and support your child both in school and in life.

Taking your children to the library allows them to see reading is important to you as parents and invites them to be a part of a community of readers. Surrounding your children with readers lets them see and develop good reading habits. Libraries are full of book-lovers. Exposing your children to a large reading community will help guide them on the path to becoming a lifelong...Read more

First-grade teachers are in our third year of Lucy Calkins Writer’s Workshop implementation. The curriculum is research-based and used in classrooms across the globe. Our units of study focus on narrative, opinion, and informational writing. This program helps to develop a life-long love of writing and equips each author with the tools and independence needed to create books of all varieties.

During a unit, students are guided through the...Read more

Thinking about elementary school may bring up memories of multiplication facts, phonics, or memorizing state capitals. But what about research projects? For Rossman students, research projects are a core component of education. Surprisingly, the experience may not be all that different from your own experience in middle or high school, with a few modifications to ensure that it’s safe and developmentally appropriate for our students....Read more

What is fluency?

Reading fluency is the ability to read a text at a steady rate, with expression and accuracy. Fluency has a direct correlation to reading comprehension, and can often be an indicator of your child’s understanding of a text. A common misconception associated with the term “fluency” is that a fluent reader is a quick reader. Children who read too quickly often insert or omit keywords, are unable to recall important details and read through punctuation.

Is your child ready to work on fluency?  

Students who are still...Read more

Not all kids are voracious readers, but those who aren't can be convinced it is a worthwhile experience. You may have two or more children in the same family with different attitudes toward reading. I did! One read in the bathtub, at recess and walking the dog (all bad ideas). Every spare minute of her day was filled with reading. My other child was more hands-on with learning and worked well on projects and building. Very different! Parents often have to adjust and adapt and make reading fun!

In her article...Read more