School time

Teaching Pre K-8, Nov/Dec 2003

Whether your child already loves to read or needs some encouragement, being a well-informed parent is important. Find out what's going on at your child's school. Consider asking these questions at your parent-teacher conference:

* What books will my child be required to read in school this year?

* Is there a timeline so I'll know when certain books will be covered?

* How do you assess a student's knowledge of a book? (Book reports, oral reports, projects, opinion essays, tests, etc.?)

* Do you encourage reading regularly simply for the joy of reading?

* Do you have a recommended reading list of books to read for enjoyment at home? If not, you may be just the person to get one going at your child's school. What a great way to be involved and to show your child how much you value reading!