• Springbrook Elementary School Supplemental Reading Services

    Instructor: Ms. Blais


    I first began my journey as a teacher at Rhode Island College where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and English. I spent my first four years as a kindergarten teacher. Throughout this time I attended Providence College and received a Masters Degree in Literacy. Soon after finishing my graduate program I began teaching in Exeter - West Greenwich as a reading specialist.

    As the school year begins, I will be starting with reading groups. As a reading specialist, my instruction compliments the curriculum from the classroom teachers. Fundations is one of the programs I am using.


    If you receive a notice in regards to your child receving services and have questions please feel free to contact me at either school or by email.

    "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
    — Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

    Alisha Blais, M.Ed.
    ablais@westerly.k12.ri.us

    Springbrook School
    39 Springbrook Road
    Westerly, RI 02891
    401-348-2296
    State Street School
    35 State Street
    Westerly, RI 02891
    401-348-2340

Discussion Topics

  • Summer Reading Apps

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 8/9/2015 3:54:11 PM
    I hope everyone is enjoying the summer thus far!  Soon enough we will all be back in school working hard to become the best readers we can be!!  I want to encourage all students to continue reading even though we only have 2 short weeks before school starts back up again.  Below is a link with a few suggested links for reading apps.  Downloading an app for free or $1-$2 can make the difference to keep children engaged while learning and practicing reading skills.  I look forward to seeing everyone and keep reading.

    http://www.readingrockets.org/literacyapps
    Comments (0)

  • Summer Reading Loss

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 6/11/2014 11:02:56 AM
    Summer Reading Loss

    Do children really suffer from a summer reading loss?
    Research has proven that the impact of summer reading loss can be significant.
    Who is affected?
    • If your child is among the top 25 percent of readers for their age they will probably continue to make some progress during the summer.
    • If your child is an average reader for their age, they will likely remain steady or fall slightly during the summer.
    • If your child is among the students who have made slower reading achievement during the school year, they are at risk of suffering from a significant reading loss over the summer.
    To sum it up, students who are having more difficulty learning to read are the students who suffer the most from summer reading loss.
    What can I do about this?
    Research has shown that the best predictor of reading achievement is the amount of time spent reading—The more time a child spends reading, the better reader they become. So the best thing you can do for your child is reading to
    them, reading with them and giving them opportunities for more reading.  

    Ideas for Summer Reading

    • Don’t view reading as a chore—Create a positive environment for reading so that children look forward to it. You don’t have to read, you get to read!
    • Reading doesn’t have to only be books—Get a magazine about your child’s favorite hobby, turn on the captions and turn down the volume on the television, look for information on the web.
    • Your day to day routines can provide reading experiences—cooking, using the phone book, reading instructions for a new game, and reading maps or brochures for your vacation spots are all authentic reading experiences
    • Read during transitions times—Get some more reading time in during the drive to Grandma’s house or while waiting for the dentist.
    • Keep reading those old favorites—Reading books that are a little easy or are even memorized build confidence and fluency.
    • Read to your child—You get quality time with your child, you are a great reading model and you have the opportunity to talk to your child.
    • Talk about books—Ask your child open-ended questions such as “What do you think about that story? “ “What would you have done if you were that character?”
    • Visit the library—Not only can the librarian help you find good, interesting books for your child, but they probably have a summer reading program your child can participate in.
    • Support your child’s writing—There is no better letter/sound practice than writing.  Provide supplies and opportunities for your child to write—letters, lists, messages, vacation journal or scrapbook, etc. Don’t worry about spelling—just praise your child’s efforts.
     
    Mraz, Maryann & Rasinski, Timothy V. (2007).
    Summer reading loss.
    The Reading Teacher, Vol.60 (No.8), 784-­‐788.
     
    Comments (0)

  • Springbrook Reading Week

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 4/9/2014 10:55:27 AM
    Springbrook Reading Week is taking place throughout the week of April 14-17.  

    Our theme for this year is "Reading Takes You Places".  

    Each grade level will be reading stories and learning about a specific biome around the world.  Kindergarten is focusing on the Savannah.  Grade one's focus is forests.  Grade two will be learning about deserts.  Grade three will be focusing on the ocean biome and Grade four's focus is the rainforest.

    The school as a whole will be creating a mural that will display work from each class.  The different biomes will be displayed in the mural through student art work.  Plants, animals and insects will be made to represent each biome on the mural.

    A list of activities for the week are as follows.  Monday a mystery traveler will share items with students for them to guess which biome they are from.  There will also be a staff exchange where teachers will read a story to another class about their biome.  Tuesday classes will be buddying up with the lower grade levels to partner read.  On Wednesday, members of the community will be volunteering to read a book to each classroom.  Lastly, Thursday we will be having a school wide assembly with Lucky Bob Magician.  A Massachusetts native will be giving a fun-filled performance.  He got his start reading every book he could get his hands on about magic.

    Also, throughout the week students will have a time for drop everything and read.  Make sure to ask your child about the biome for their grade level and what they learned throughout the week!


    Comments (0)

  • How Parents Can Help

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 2/24/2014 3:07:28 PM
     Reading Aloud to Your Child: 


    Research shows reading aloud to your child is one of the most valuable support parnts can provide in helping children learn to read.

    • Be a Ham!  The more enthusiasm you display, the more your child will enjoy the book.
    • Find  ways to relate the stories through your child's real life experiences.  
    • Be a good reading model.  Show your child that YOU enjoy reading too.
    • Remember -- children who read at home tend to enjoy books more and tend to be better readers than children who do not read at home.
    Comments (0)

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 2/24/2014 3:05:00 PM
    Where do these extra reading lessons take place?
      
    Your child will receive the extra reading instruction either in the classroom or in the reading room.
     
    How is extra reading help scheduled? 
     
    Scheduling takes place cooperatively between the reading teacher and the classroom teacher.  In most cases, this extra reading takes place for 20 to 40 minutes, three to five days a week.
     
    How does the Supplemental Reading Service relate to the regular classroom?
      
    Your child's classroom teacher and I communicate on a regular basis.  The intent of the supplemental reading service is to support and reinforce the student's Personal Literacy Plan.   
     
    How will I be informed about my child's progress?
     
    During the parent/teacher conferences, I will be available to discuss your child's progress if needed.  In addition, a final progress report will be sent home in June.  If you have any questions concerning your child's progress, please contact me via e-mail or the school. 
      
    How can you support your child's Supplemental Reading Service?
     
    Please become actively involved: 
    • Attend parent/teacher conferences.
    • Become more informed about your child's reading services.  
    • Help your child at home with reading activities.
    • Encourage your child to read and write daily at home.
    • Make time to read aloud to your child each day.
    • Send your child to school each day.  Absences greatly affect your child's progress
     
    Comments (0)

  • Dr. Seuss Week

    Posted by Alisha Blais on 2/24/2014 12:28:00 PM

    Springbrook School Families:

    March 2nd is the birthday celebration of Theodore (“Ted”) Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss.  In honor of this occasion we have planned a week’s worth of activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss and all his books. The week’s worth of activities in honor of Dr. Seuss will start Monday, March 3rd..   

    Dr. Seuss Spirit Week will be March 3rd – March 7th .  An activity is scheduled for each day of the week as follows:

    Monday March 3rd   –  Fox in Socks Day….children and adults should wear their zaniest sock combinations. Don’t forget to roll up your pants so we can see them.

    Tuesday March 4th   – The Cat in The Hat Day… children and adults are encouraged to wear a fabulous hat for the day (except during the Pledge of Allegiance)


    Wednesday March 5th   –  Wacky Wednesday… children and adults are encouraged to wear their wackiest outfit, mix match colors, stripes and polka dots, inside out or right side in.  

     

    Thursday March 6th – There’s A Wocket in My Pocket day…children and adults are encouraged to bring a wocket (or small beanie baby) sticking out of one of their pockets!


    Friday March 7th     – My Many Colored Days day…children and adults should dress head to toe in one bright color, depending on their mood for the day! 

     



    Comments (0)

Announcements

  • Get Epic!

    Dear Parents,   Encouraging reading is one of the most important things you can do to help your child succeed. But finding the right books can be tough.   That’s why I’m happy that our class is using a wonderful new eBook service called “Epic!” - it’s like a Netflix for children's eBooks with thousands of high-quality books.   The service is free for teachers, but Epic! can only afford to do this if enough parents sign up for the Home Version, which is $4.99/month and includes a 60 day free trial.   If you’d like to try it, just use the promo code: “EPICREADS” at www.getepic.com/promo.   Happy reading! Ms.…

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  • November 10th

    There is no school on Tuesday, November 10th due to parent teacher conferences.  I am available all day and in the evenings for conferences.  I will be attending the conferences that have been set up with the classroom teacher as well.  Please email me to schedule what time works best for you.  ablais@westerly.k12.ri.us Contact:  

    Comments (-1)

  • Challenge your brain with these daily literature quizzes!!

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  • NWEA Testing

    NWEA testing will begin again at State Street the week of June 1st.  This assessment is computer based and given three times a year to all students.  Math and reading are administered in two separate sessions.  This assessment is used to drive instruction and monitor student growth.

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  • Springbrook Reading Week

    We are pleased to announce that reading week at Springbrook will take place April 13-17.  A schedule with the daily events and theme are coming soon!

    Comments (-1)

  • How Parents Can Support the Common Core Reading Standards

    http://www.readingrockets.org/article/how-parents-can-support-common-core-reading-standards

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  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    Just a reminder! There is no school on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. Enjoy the holiday!

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  • Top 10 Things You Should Know About Reading

    http://www.readingrockets.org/article/top-10-things-you-should-know-about-reading

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  • Parent Teacher Conferences

    I will be available for parent teacher conferences on Monday, December 22nd.  I am at Springbrook in the morning and State Street in the afternoon.  Please contact me to schedule your conference.

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  • Reading Resources for Parents

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  • Picture Book of the Day

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  • Struggling Readers

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  • Reading Tip of the Day

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Files

  • Sight Words
    This folder contains all the files for sight words. Each file is a separate word list that is listed by grade level. It is important that students learn these words and are able to read them with automaticity.

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Links

  • The 10 Things You Should Know About Reading

    Get the basic facts about what it takes for a young child to learn to read, best practices in teaching reading, the importance of oral language in literacy development, why so many children struggle, and more in this overview.
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