Congratulations to the 97 Freeman Centennial students in grades 4-6 who read 532 books this school year for the Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) program administered by Mrs. Lavallee in the school library. The activity is voluntary and above and beyond classroom reading assignments. Student voters are welcome to come to an MCBA Breakfast before school to celebrate on Thursday, April 12, at 8:15. The MCBA winner for our school is: Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata,...

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In 2000 the U.S. National Reading Panel released a document entitled “Teaching Children to Read.” The blue-ribbon panel of experts identified several areas of learning that were critical to developing good reading skills. One of these areas that had previously been put on the back burner was fluency, reading with expression and facility, not necessarily being a fast reader, but reading “like talking.” It was found that students who lacked fluency lost comprehension, often...

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In May 1997, a small taskforce at the National Education Association (NEA) came up with a big idea to celebrate reading (Read Across America). The purpose of this day is to motivate and create life long learners and readers. At the Freeman-Centennial School we are committed to celebrating “Read Across America” to promote a love of reading every day! The theme is green for a very special 2012 Read Across America celebration. The campaign is showcasing the Lorax book as well as...

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You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, To pick up a book and read with a child. You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot, To pick up a book and share what you've got.   As you know, schools across the United States celebrate Read Across America on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The poem above tells the story of what the National Education Association is advocating by its sponsorship of this day of reading, namely that reading with a child or sharing your own reading is...

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At Freeman-Centennial on Friday March 2, the whole school family gathers at an assembly celebrating books and reading on Read Across America Day. This year, the third grade will present a Reader’s Theater version of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss which focuses on the theme of environmental responsibility. Large decorated baskets are filled with books, learning games, and gift certificates, all donated by teachers. The drawing for the raffle is held at the school assembly. During the day many classrooms...

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Over the December winter vacation I came across the “We Give Books” website. What a great way to read great children’s books online for free and be involved in book donations at the same time! Norfolk uses a number of curriculum and assessment products from Pearson so it is encouraging to see that this company’s charitable foundation contributes books to children in impoverished or disaster-stricken communities. Read below (information from both Pearson & www.wegivebooks.org)...

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Parents and teachers know that children who read (and read often) are much more likely to do well inschool. Most Norfolk children know they’re supposed to read at home at least 20 minutes each night.With the Internet, video games, or television competing for attention, we don’t want children to seereading as a chore. Try some of the following ways for making reading more enjoyable. Take turns reading with your child, anywhere from a paragraph to a page. Using the “popcorn”...

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