Academics

Module 1: Curious About Kindergarten

Hello, Family!

Welcome to kindergarten! Your child is probably full of questions about what’s in store for the year ahead. Over the next month, our class will answer a lot of those questions as we work together to discover what kindergarten is all about. We will read books about school and find out about schools around the world.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION! Build listening skills by giving directions and helping your child follow through:

• Start with one-step directions and gradually work up to two- and three-step directions.
• Use words like first, then, and next to help children remember directions. For example: First, brush your teeth. Then, put on your shoes.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: discover, dream, partners.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with letters and sounds to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Sing the ABCs and songs that rhyme.
• Play “I Spy” to find alphabet letters around your home or when you are out and about.
• Read alphabet books and recite nursery rhymes. Ask your child to name the letters or tell you words that rhyme.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

• What’s happening in the picture?
• Who is the story about? Where does it happen?
• What is the book about? What did you learn?
• Can the picture help you with the word blank?

WRITING THAT NAMES AND DESCRIBES. Encourage your child to use nouns, adjectives, and verbs to describe things:

• Challenge your child to name as many people, places, and things as they can!
• Have your child use adjectives for size, shape, color, and number to describe things they see every day. For example, ask: How many trees do you see? What color is the bus? Is this book big or small?

Module 2: There’s Only One Me!

Hello, Family!

Thank you for continuing to support your child’s learning! Over the next month, our class will celebrate what makes each of us special. We will read books to explore how we are the same and how we are different—from our names, to our style, to our favorite things.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

ASKING FOR HELP. Support your child with asking for help. Show your child how to politely ask people for help. Encourage your child to make eye contact and use this language:

• Excuse me. Could you please help me blank?
• Thank you. You’re welcome.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: celebrate, different, special.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Say the word cat. Work together to list other words that rhyme with cat.
• Challenge your child to find words that begin with s, b, n, and d.
• Say words with more than one syllable. Clap and count each syllable with your child.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read:

• Ask questions such as: What is the problem? How did the characters solve it? What lesson did the characters learn?
• Point out words with the same meaning (kind/nice, big/large, sad/unhappy) or opposite meanings (hot/cold, big/small, happy/sad).

SENTENCE AND STORY WRITING. Support your child in learning the parts of a sentence and writing stories with characters and a setting:

• Say simple sentences, such as A cat sat. Ask questions about the noun and verb in the sentence. For example: Who is this sentence about? What did the cat do?
• Look at a photo. Have your child tell you about it. Write down what your child says. Ask: Who is in the picture? Where did we take the pictures? When did this happen?
• Tell the story of your child’s name and stories from your childhood. Use details!

Module 3: My Community Heroes

Hello, Family!

Over the next month, our class will learn about what makes a community. We will read books about the people and places in a community and the ways in which we all work together to make a community strong.

Children will write letters to teach others about our community, and the whole class will collaborate to build a 3D map of the places around school that make up our community.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

SPEAK UP!. Show how to speak clearly and use an appropriate voice level:

• Remind your child that people can hear you better if you keep your hands away from your face when speaking.
• Identify times when your child is using a voice that is too loud, too quiet, or just right for the situation.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: community, location, neighbor.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Think of words that start with the same sound as your child’s first name. Then do the same for names of other people in your family.
• Practice making letters and words with different materials. Try sidewalk chalk, modeling clay, sand, and shaving cream!

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

• What happens in the beginning/middle/end?
• What is the story about? Tell me in your own words.
• What clue in the picture shows what the word blank means?

QUESTIONS AND STORY WRITING. Support your child in asking questions and writing stories with characters and a setting:

• Read a story with your child. Encourage your child to ask questions about the story that start with who, where, what, when, why, and how.
• Discuss the story with your child. Ask: Who is in the story? Where did the story take place? When did this story happen?

Module 4: Happy Healthy Me

Hello, Family!

Over the next month, our class will learn what we can do to take care of our health. We will read about eating different foods, staying fit, and getting enough sleep. We’ll also find out that we can eat a rainbow (and it’s delicious)!

As we read about health habits, we will research to find out about different ways to exercise and the reasons why we need sleep. As a class, we will collaborate to write a Happy, Healthy Blog so that we can teach others all we have learned.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

EXPRESSING NEEDS AND WANTS. Show your child how to politely express needs or wants. Encourage your child to make eye contact and use this language:

• Excuse me. May I go to blank?
• Could you please pass me the blank?
• Thank you. You’re welcome.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: energy, exercise, healthy.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Say three-letter words, such as pan, fit, and hop. Ask your child to tell you the beginning, middle, and end sounds for each word.
• Say more three-letter words, such as dog, run, and hat. Help your child think of words that rhyme with each word.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. Point out how to use the different features in nonfiction books:

• Have your child pick a topic from the table of contents. Find it in the book together.
• Read diagram labels and photo captions.
• Look up unfamiliar words in the glossary.
• Show children how to use the index to find information in the book

FACT AND OPINION WRITING. Support your child in differentiating facts from opinions:

• Help your child choose and read from a nonfiction text on a topic of interest. Ask your child about some of the facts they learned from the text.
• Ask your child for opinions, such as: What would you rather have for dinner? Why?
• Share opinions with your child using I think and In my opinion. Make sure to give reasons why!

Module 5: I Can Do It!

Hello, Family!

Over the next month, our class will explore what it means to try hard. We will read books about kids who are taking on new challenges from jumping off a diving board to learning to dance. Children will work hard to write stories and make connections to their own experiences.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

MEETING AND GREETING. Show your child how to meet and greet people. Encourage your child to shake hands, make eye contact, and use this language:

• Hello. My name is blank.
• Nice to meet you.
• How are you? Fine, thank you.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: practice, proud, success.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Sing songs that rhyme and ask your child to tell you more words that rhyme.
• Ask your child to find letters or words around town—on street signs, in stores, anywhere!
• Say words and ask your child to tell you the beginning or end sound.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

• What do you think will happen next? Why?
• What happens in the beginning/middle/end?
• What do you think the word blank means? How do you know?  

STORY WRITING. Support your child to write stories that have a beginning, middle, and end:

• Have your child tell you a story about something that happened during the day. Ask: What happened first/next/last?
• Tell your child stories about different times when you felt unsure or when you didn’t give up. Make sure to share a lot of details!

Module 6: Home of the Free and the Brave

Hello, Family!

Over the next month, our class will explore our country to find out what makes the United States special. Through books, children will meet great leaders and people, sing songs, experience U.S. traditions, and explore different landscapes in the country.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

START TALKING. Show your child how to start a conversation. Encourage your child to speak politely and clearly and to use this language:

• Excuse me. Would you like to play with me?
• I would like to tell you about blank.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: belong, country, right.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Challenge your child to hunt for objects that start with a particular letter sound.
• Say words with three sounds, such as pat, and ask your child to tell you the beginning, middle, or end sound.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read:

• Encourage your child to picture what’s happening in a story by hiding the pictures. Talk about the picture in your child’s mind and compare it with the pictures in the book.
• Look for compound words (doghouse, cupcake). Talk about how the two smaller words help you understand the meaning.

POETRY AND BIOGRAPHY WRITING. Support your child to write poems and biographies:

• Encourage your child to use sensory words when describing things, such as words that describe taste or smell.
• Work with your child to read a short poem and identify sensory language.
• Work with your child to read a child-friendly biography about someone and discuss what your child learned.

Module 7: Zoom In!

Hello, Family!

Over the next month, our class will find out what we can learn when we take a closer look. We will read books that zoom in on ordinary experiences and objects. We will learn about Jane Goodall, who made a career out of studying chimpanzees, and we will look at the world from the perspective of bugs and insects.

Writing will get creative as we make up stories and look closely at nature to write poems. As a class, we will observe the world around us and work together to present posters about our five senses.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS. Use these prompts to encourage your child to add details when talking about a favorite topic or answering questions.

• Tell me more about blank.
• What happened next?
• I wonder why blank?

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: watch, wonder, world.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Say a word and take turns thinking of words that rhyme until you can’t think of any more!
• Ask your child to tell you a word that starts or ends the same way as another word: Tell me a word that starts/ends like blank.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. When you read, ask your child to make connections:

• Who does this character remind you of?
• Where have you been that is similar?
• Have you ever felt this way?
• This part makes me think about another book.
• We learned about this when we blank.

RESEARCH WRITING. Support your child in finding facts and answering questions about a favorite topic:

• Take your child to the local library to check out books about the topic.
• Show your child how to go online to answer questions about the topic and learn more.
• Seek out family members, friends, or people in the community who are experts, and encourage your child to ask questions.

Module 8: From Plant to Plate

Hello, Family!

Does everyone in your family like the same foods? We each have our own opinion about which foods taste best. Over the next month, we will read books about how food gets from plants to our plates. We will even take a look underground to find out about special animal helpers that work behind the scenes to make gardens grow.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

KEEP TALKING. Support your child to keep conversations going: Make statements that start with I wonder to get your child talking. When your child answers with one word, ask questions to find out more. Encourage your child to ask you questions.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: garden, harvest, and plant.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Play with your food! Say the names of fruits or vegetables. Clap the syllables in the words together. Then ask your child to say the beginning and end sounds for each word.
• Collect words that start with two letters that blend together, like slow and frog.

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read:

• Ask questions to compare characters, such as: How are the characters the same/different?
• Ask questions about sequence, such as: What happens first/next/last?
• Look for and talk about words that have more than one meaning (bark, watch, ring).

OPINION WRITING. Support your child to share how they think or feel about something and why:

• Ask your child to share opinions throughout the day. For example: Do you think we should walk or take the bus? Why?
• Share opinions with your child using phrases such as I think and In my opinion. Make sure to give reasons why!

Module 9: Animal Habitats

Hello, Family!

It’s hard to believe, but our kindergarten year is almost over. Thank you for taking the time to read, write, and learn along with your child.

Over this last month, we will explore what makes a habitat a home. As a class, we will read about how animals live in forests, deserts, and polar regions. Children will use sources to research and answer their questions about animals, and everyone will create their very own model of an animal habitat.

Bring It Home. Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

DON’T CHANGE THE SUBJECT. Support your child to stay on topic:

• Remind your child what you are talking about if you notice your child gets distracted during a conversation.
• Show your child how to ask a question or make a comment during a conversation.
• Teach your child to wait until a conversation is over before talking about a new topic.

BIG IDEA WORDS. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: habitat, protect, provide.

WORDS TO PLAY. Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:

• Play word changer games! Say a two-syllable animal name and ask your child to drop a syllable. Say rabbit without rab. (bit) Say beetle without tle. (bee).
• Say a word and ask your child to change the first or last letter-sound. Change the f in fog to d. (dog) Change the g in dog to t. (dot).

LET’S READ TOGETHER. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. Point out how to use the different features in nonfiction books:

• Have your child pick a topic from the table of contents or index and find it in the book.
• Show how to read diagrams and learn information from them.
• Stop when you encounter an unfamiliar word and look it up in the glossary or a dictionary.

BOOK REPORT WRITING. Help your child prepare to write a book report:

•  Check out a book from your local library to read together.
• Ask your child questions about the book’s plot and characters.
• Have your child practice giving an opinion and sharing reasons for that opinion.

Module 1: Nice to Meet You!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will learn that making new friends and learning new things can help us grow.

We will read books about making new friends and taking on new challenges, and we will become familiar with new words and different activities about school. Children will also learn how to tell a story and tell one about a special moment in their lives.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: friendship, emotions, challenge.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• How did you show friendship to your classmates today?
• What emotions do you feel when you try something new?
• Tell about a character who faced a challenge.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about making new friends and learning new things, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Point to photographs and illustrations that show acts of friendship.
• Cheer on a story character who is trying something new.
• Talk about why we should not be afraid to keep trying.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Rhyme Time
  • Take turns saying a rhyming word with a short a vowel sound, such as mat/pat.
• Week 2: I Spy
  • Open a book and play I Spy. Take turns pointing to and reading words that have short o and short u vowel sounds, such as pot, dog, cup, and fun.
• Week 3: Ten Red Hens
  • Work together to make a list of words with the short e sound, such as ten, red, hen, and beg. Make up a story using the words.

Module 2: My Family, My Community

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will learn that we are all valuable members of our families and community, and together we make our class a place to learn and grow.

We will read books about neighborhoods, and we will learn that different people work together to help make our communities special. Children will also write a descriptive essay about what makes their world special.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: area, population, working.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What kind of artwork do we see in different areas of our community?
• Does a big city have a large or a small population of people?
• Who are the helpers we see working in our neighborhood?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about belonging to a community, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Clap your hands when you see pictures of helpers, such as doctors and teachers. Raise your arms when you read about tall buildings.
• Spread your arms when you read about farms and open spaces.
• Pantomime different types of jobs as you read about them.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: What's the Buzz?
  • Write and say words that follow the Floss Rule and end in a double consonant, such as stuff, buzz, and bell. Make a buzz sound as you underline the double consonant.
• Week 2: Ball in the Hall
  • Work together to think of as many words as you can that end in –all, such as ball, hall, call, or tall.
• Week 3: Quack Like a Duck!
  • Write and then say words that end in –ck, such as quack, duck, pick, and rock. Quack like a duck after you read each word aloud!

Module 3: Amazing Animals

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will learn that animal bodies and animal homes come in many different shapes and sizes. We will read books about animal characteristics, and we will learn how animals use their bodies to survive. Children will explore animals further by writing a research essay about their favorite animals.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you read or talk with your child: camouflage, mammal, and characteristics.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• Which animals use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings?
• What are some words that describe your favorite mammal?
• What kind of special characteristics does a giraffe have? What about a kitten?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about amazing animals, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Imitate animal noises when you read about an animal in a book.
• While reading, point to different animals and decide if they are mammals.
• Build a pretend animal home, like a nest or den, that is described in a book.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Shhh
  • Work together to write and say these words: ship, shut, fish, cash, and shell. Make a list of other words that include the sh sound.
• Week 2: Check!
  • Look for words that include ch around your home and in books. When your child sees a word with ch, make a big check mark motion, say the word, and say "Check!"
• Week 3: Sing a Song!
  • Make a list of words that end in –ng, such as sing, song, king, and thing. Now make up a silly song with the words!

Module 4: Better Together

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, children will learn why it is important to do their best and get along with others.

We will read books about people and characters who practice hard and learn to play fair, because we are better together when we are kind to one another. Children will also write a procedural text about how to make a new friend.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: honest, sport, courtesy.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• Are you being honest when you tell the truth?
• How can you be a good sport when you play a game?
• How do you show courtesy when you are waiting in line at school?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about being a good citizen, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Take turns picking out a book and talking about courteous behaviors such as listening carefully and not interrupting.
• Make a heart shape with your two hands when you read about a character who is trying hard to get along with others.
• Salute good citizens and heroes that you read about in books and magazines.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Stomp the Spot
  • Draw a spot on paper and put it on the floor. Take turns stomping the spot each time you say a word that begins with the st or sp sounds, such as step, stink, study or spill, spin, space.
• Week 2: Blend at the End!
  • Work together to make a list of words that end in a blend, such as end, last, desk, gold, and sand.
• Week 3: Kitchen Twos
  • Point to things in the kitchen that have two syllables, such as bagel or apple. When you say each word, count 1, 2 on your fingers for each syllable: ba/gel.

Module 5: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, children will learn about light and dark, and the many sources of light that have an impact on daily life.

We will read books about Earth’s rotation around the sun and learn about day and night and the seasons. Children will have fun writing an imaginative folktale about how something in nature came to be.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: solar, period, orbit.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• Does solar energy come from the sun?
• In which period of the day do you sleep—in the morning or at night?
• Show me what it looks like when you orbit around a table or chair.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about light and dark, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Read about Earth and the moon and orbit around a pretend sun.
• Wiggle your fingers to signal shimmering light each time you read the word sun.
• When reading at night, use a flashlight to demonstrate the power of light in a dark space.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Rhyme Time
  • Write and say rhyming words with the long i vowel sound, such as Mike/Ike, hide/ride, kite/ bite, time/dime. Write words in pencil, erasing only the letters that change.
• Week 2: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
  • Sing the song Row, Row, Row Your Boat and pantomime the words as you sing. Stress the long o vowel sound as you sing.
• Week 3: A Cut is Not Cute!
  • Write and say the word cut. Add –e, changing cut to cute. Stress the long u vowel sound. Repeat with cap/cape, rip/ripe, and not/ note.

Module 6: Celebrate America

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, children will explore how special symbols, monuments, holidays, and celebrations help us learn about the United States.

We will read books about national symbols and learn how holidays honor the United States and its heroes. Children will also write a personal narrative about a favorite holiday memory.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: participate, duty, appreciate.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• How can we participate in a community event or celebration?
• How does a firefighter’s duty to help others make our community better?
• How could you show that you appreciate your teacher?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about holidays, monuments, celebrations, and national symbols, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Read about symbols and draw pictures of national flags that represent your family heritage.
• Clap your hands when you read about leaders who help the United States.
• Read facts about the Statue of Liberty and try to imitate the posture of this national monument.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Two Syllables
  • Work together to make a list of two-syllable words that include a silent e, such as cupcake, milestone, or wildlife.
• Week 2: Say Soft, Snaky Sounds
  • Write a list of words with the soft c sound, such as celebrate, cent, race, and dance. When you say each word with the soft c sound, make a long snake sound: sssssss.
• Week 3: Beat the Clock!
  • Together, make a list of all the words with the soft g sound you can think of in one minute, such as gem and giraffe. Ready . . . set. . . go!

Module 7: The Big Outdoors

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about nature, and we will investigate how things in nature can change.

We will read about different environments and observe the beauty of nature. Children will learn about interesting changes that occur, such as how the Grand Canyon formed and how the water cycle works. They will also write a poem about things they like in nature.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: cycle, evaporation, liquid.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What can you tell me about the life cycle of a butterfly?
• How does the sun’s heat cause evaporation in a puddle of water?
• What kinds of liquids do you like to drink?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about the natural world, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Imitate animal sounds and other sounds from nature when you read about them in books.
• Read about recycling and start a recycling project. Collect paper or plastics to recycle at home or to donate at a recycling center.
• Talk about how water is important to our environment. Read articles about water and think of ways to use less water.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Catch!
  • Play catch by throwing a ball to each other as you name words that end in –tch, such as catch, itch, hatch, and ditch.
• Week 2: To the Edge!
  • On a small piece of paper, write words that end in –dge, such as lodge, fudge, and judge. Try to fill the paper to the edges!
• Week 3: More than One
  • Make a list of things around your home, such as shoe, door, and box. Work together to add –s or –es to each word to make it plural.

Module 8: Tell Me a Story

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will discover that we can learn lessons from the stories we read and hear.

We will read a variety of literature, and we will discover that all over the world and throughout time, people have enjoyed listening to and telling stories. Children will also write a personal narrative about someone who helped them overcome a problem.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: literature, entertain, amuse.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What kind of literature would you like to get at the library?
• If you were to entertain your class, would you dance, sing, or say a poem?
• Why do you think authors like to write stories that amuse children?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module, as children explore how stories teach us good lessons, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Make a thumbs-up gesture when a character learns a valuable lesson.
• Recommend a good book that you just read to a friend or family member.
• Read a biography and talk about the positive lessons that were learned.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Add –ed
  • Write these words in a list: want, need, start, add, orbit. Say each word, and then add –ed. Emphasize the sound –ed makes at the end of each word.
• Week 2: Rhyme Time with –y
  • Write down a list of words that end in –y and rhyme with sky and why. Take turns saying rhyming words from your list.
• Week 3: Scavenger Hunt
  • Look for words with the long e sound (spelled ee or ea) in books, in magazines, or on signs outside.

Module 9: Grow, Plants, Grow!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will learn what plants need to live and grow.

We will read a variety of literature about plants. Children will learn about different kinds of plants and find out that people grow plants for many reasons. Children will also write a descriptive essay about what they learned from doing a science experiment.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: vegetation, absorb, emerge.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What kinds of vegetation might we see in a park or near your home?
• Do plant roots absorb water?
• After planting a seed, how long do you think it takes for a sprout to emerge?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about plants and gardens, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Read books about trees and draw a picture of a tree in all four seasons.
• Read books about farms. Point to the plants you might like to grow on a farm.
• Rub your tummy when you read about a vegetable or fruit you like to eat.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Rhyme Time
  • Make up rhymes using words with ai and ay. For example, mail/pail and may/pay.
• Week 2: Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Make a tic-tac-toe board. Write a long o word (oa, ow) in each square, leaving out the letters for long o. To mark X or O in a square, players must write the missing letters and say the word. for example, c_ _t / coat.
• Week 3: Challenge Accepted
  • See who can list the most words with long i patterns (ie, igh, or i_e).

Module 10: Dare to Dream

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, children will learn that good things can happen when we think outside the box and discover new ways to solve everyday problems.

We will read books about inventors, architects, artists, and explorers who work hard to achieve their dreams. Children will also write a biographical essay about someone who inspires them.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: future, applaud, genius.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What are some things you would like to do in the future?
• Why do we applaud for a dancer or a musician?
• Do you think a genius is a smart person who tries hard? Explain.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about solving problems and working hard to make dreams come true, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Applaud a story character who is brave enough to try something new after making a mistake.
• While reading nonfiction, tap your head when someone thinks hard about a problem they want to solve.
• Act out a discovery when you read about one in a book.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Round Robin
  • Take turns naming words that have ar in them. Keep going until you run out of words.
• Week 2: Word Search
  • Find words in your daily reading that have or in them. Say the words aloud together.
• Week 3: A List and a Song
  • Work together to make a list of words with er, ir, or ur. Use the words in your list to make up a silly song!

Module 11: Genre Focus: Nonfiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be revisiting nonfiction texts from earlier in the year. We will dig deeper into the genres of narrative nonfiction, informational text, and biography and discover what their characteristics are. Children will also write an opinion letter to a character in a story, explaining why that character should read a particular book.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Recommended Reading. Here are some additional nonfiction books you can find at your local library to read together and discuss.

• Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene Barretta. Henry Holt, 2012.
• Lenore Finds a Friend: A True Story from Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz. Henry Holt, 2012.
• One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul. Millbrook Press, 2015.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about nonfiction texts, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Clap your hands when you notice words that help show the text organization, like first, next, or then.
• Before reading, guess what the central idea might be. After reading, discuss what was correct about the prediction and what was different
• Look at the text and graphic features in a nonfiction book, such as headings, labels, captions, photos, charts, or diagrams. Discuss how they make the information easier to understand.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Ready, Set, Go!
  • Together, make a list of all the words with oo (as in book) that you can think of in one minute. Ready . . . set . . . GO!
• Week 2: Boo-Hoo Rhyme Time
  • Say rhyming words with the oo sound, as in moon/spoon/noon or hoot/toot/boot. Write words in pencil, erasing only the letters that change.
• Week 3: Challenge Accepted
  • See who can list the most words with ew, ui, or ue that make the sound as in knew.

Module 12: Genre Focus: Literary Texts

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be revisiting literary texts from earlier in the year. We will dig deeper into the genres of realistic fiction, folktale, and fantasy, and discover what their characteristics are. Children will also write an opinion essay about the best thing they learned how to do in first grade.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Recommended Reading. Here are some additional literary texts you can find at your local library to read together and discuss.

• Juna’s Jar by Jane Bahk. Lee & Low, 2014.
• Bravo, Chico Canta! Bravo! by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez. Groundwood Books, 2014.
• Breaking News: Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki. Charlesbridge, 2014.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about literary texts, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Discuss the structure of a story you read, including telling the main events that happen in the beginning, middle, and end.
• Raise your hand each time a new character is introduced in the story. After reading, talk about which character was your favorite and tell why.
• Take turns using describing words that tell about the setting.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Make a tic-tac-toe board with words that have au and aw in each square with the vowel patterns missing. To mark X or O in a square, players must name which letters are missing and say the word. For example: l_ _n / lawn.
• Week 2: I Spy
  • Play I Spy with words that have ou and ow. For example: I spy something that has an ou sound. (cloud)
• Week 3: Word Search
  • Find words in your daily reading that have oi or oy in them. Say the words aloud together.

Module 1: Be a Super Citizen

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about what it means to be a good citizen at home, at school, and in the community. We will read about characters and real people who are good citizens, and we will learn how our actions can make a difference to others. Children will also write a personal narrative about something they’ve done to make the world a better place.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: citizen, difference, kind.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What can you do to show you are a good citizen?
• How can you make a difference in our neighborhood?
• What are some things we could do to be kind to others?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about citizenship, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Find examples of kindness in the texts.
• Clap your hands when a character is giving rather than taking.
• Talk about a character who has a hard time finding ways to belong and describe how other characters could help.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Syllable Search
  • Take turns pointing out things at home that have closed syllables (consonant-vowel-consonant), such as bed, hat, and dog.
• Week 2: Scavenger Hunt
  • Look for words that use the Floss Rule (double consonant at the end of word), such as glass, stuff, and bell. See who can find the most words!
• Week 3: Check!
  • Look for words that include ch, sh, wh, or th around your home and in books. When your child sees a word with one of these, make a big check mark motion and say "Check!"

Module 2: Look Around and Explore!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about examining the world around us and about making new discoveries. We will read books about different kinds of matter, explore things that are new and unusual, and even notice things about fine art! Children will also write a descriptive essay about a place they want to visit!

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: examine, identify, record.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• How could you examine that more closely?
• What did you identify in that picture/story as being unusual or different?
• How could you record your ideas about blank?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about exploration and discoveries, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Snap your fingers when a solid, a liquid, or a gas is mentioned in a text.
• Raise your hand when a character makes a discovery or notices something new.
• Switch readers when the setting changes.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Scavenger Hunt
  • Look for words with ck, ng, and ph in books, in magazines, or on signs outside.
• Week 2: Beat the Clock
  • Together, make a list of all the words with two or more syllables you can think of in one minute that begin with blends, such as str– and spr–.
• Week 3: It's a Contraction!
  • Search for contractions in a newspaper or online article. Write each contraction and the two words that form it. Say the words. For example, they'll/they will.

Module 3: Meet in the Middle

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about working out conflicts and disagreeing with others in a respectful way.

We will read about how to get along and compromise, and even learn tips about settling differences from a conflict-solving superhero. Children will also write a persuasive essay about an issue that may cause disagreement.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: compromise, decision, disagreement.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What would be a fair compromise for blank?
• What is a good decision you made recently?
• How could this disagreement be worked out?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about solving problems, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Raise your hand when the text explores a problem.
• Point to words in the text that describe how people feel.
• Take turns reading aloud the main character’s dialogue.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Sneaky e Words
  • Make a list of words that can have a silent e added to them to change the vowel sound from short to long. For example, tap/tape.
• Week 2: Round Robin
  • Take turns naming words with tch or dge. See who can name the most words.
• Week 3: Fun with Syllables
  • Write multisyllabic words on slips of paper. Choose a slip of paper and hop forward the number of syllables in each word. Designate a finish line and play until someone wins.

Module 4: Once Upon a Time

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about stories that teach valuable life lessons.

We will read many kinds of stories, from classic fairy tales to modern retellings, and even an informational text about how to appreciate a story. Children will also write a story about an imaginary friend or place.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: moral, relate, version.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What is the moral of a story you know?
• Which character do you relate to most?
• What is your version of what happened?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about storytelling, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Tell which characters you’d like to be friends with and why.
• Talk about how a lesson that a character learns in a story can help you.
• Read the dialogue in a different voice for each character.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Add –s or –es
  • Write these words in a list: clap, click, box, smash. Add –s or –es to each word. Now make your own list!
• Week 2: All Jobs of y
  • Look for words that include y in your daily reading. Then, categorize each word based on the sound the y stands for (short i, long i, or long e).
• Week 3: Double the Fun!
  • Make a list of words that need a double consonant when –ing is added, such as hop, swim, hug, and drum. Write down each word, double the consonant, and add –ing. Now act them out!

Module 5: Lead the Way

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about the qualities that good leaders have. We will read about famous leaders in history, children who are leaders in their community, and opinions about what it takes to be a great leader. Children will also write a personal essay about what makes them unique.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: admire, inspire, pioneer

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What do you admire about blank?
• What happened today that helped inspire you?
• How is blank a pioneer?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about leadership, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Snap your fingers when you read something that shows someone being a leader.
• Work together to retell or summarize a text that you have read.
• Practice giving an opinion by sharing what you’d tell the author of a book you are reading.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Spelling Changes
  • Make a list of words that end in y, such as baby, hobby, and cry. Now write the words with –es endings, making sure to change y to i.
• Week 2: Make a Turtle Puzzle
  • Draw a turtle. On the shell, write five words the end in –le, such as giggle and bottle. Cut the puzzle into five pieces. Say the words as you put the puzzle together.
• Week 3: Fun e Story
  • Together, list words with long e (ee, ea, ey), such as cheese, leave, and key. Use the words to make up a funny story!

Module 6: Weather Wise

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about different kinds of weather and how weather may change from season to season. We will read books and poems about weather and watch a video of a cool weather experiment. Children will also write a poem about how the daily weather affects them.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you read or talk with your child: climate, precipitation, and temperature.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What is the climate like in a place you’ve seen in a movie or TV show?
• What has the temperature been like lately?
• Will there be precipitation today? How should you dress for it?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about weather, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Raise your hand whenever a type of weather is mentioned in the text.
• Pretend to be a weather person. Give a forecast for the weather in the book you
• are reading.
• Talk about what the weather is like in a book and how the characters act
• because of it.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Make a tic-tac-toe board. Write a word with ey or eigh in each square, leaving out the letters that spell the vowel sound. To mark X or O in a square, players must write the missing letters and say the word. For example: w _ _ _ _; weigh.
• Week 2: Scavenger Hunt
  • Look for words with long o vowel sounds in books, in magazines, or on signs outside.
• Week 3: Rhyme Time
  • Write down a list of –igh words that rhyme with light and high. Take turns saying the rhyming words from your list.

Module 7: Everyone Has a Story

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about how people’s life experiences shape and create their life stories.

We will read biographies about people who overcame obstacles to make their dreams come true. Children will create timelines of their own lives that show special memories and accomplishments. Children will also write a story about an imaginary character’s adventures.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: account, achieve, hurdle.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What is your account of what happened today?
• What did you achieve today that you’re proud of?
• What could you do to overcome this hurdle?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about important people, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Identify events and experiences that are important to the characters you are reading about.
• Talk about how everyone goes through tough times. Make a connection to a tough time a character has.
• Point out words the author uses to help you form a picture in your mind.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Word Search
  • Find words in your daily reading that have a vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel pattern. For each word, say the word and jump where the syllables should be divided. For example: rab/bit.
• Week 2: In the Barn, I Played with Yarn
  • Reinforce the ar vowel sound by making up amusing sentences with these word pairs: car/far, bark/dark, art/tart.
• Week 3: Homophones
  • Together, make a list of all the homophones (hair/hare, pair/ pear, toe/tow) that you can think of in one minute. And . . . GO!

Module 8: Time to Grow!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about what plants need to grow, thrive, and survive.

We will read about a plant’s basic needs, how those needs are met, and what happens if they are not met. Children will also write a procedural text that describes chronological steps to follow in order to complete an activity.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: fertilize, germinate, survive.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• Why do you think it’s a good idea to fertilize plants?
• If you had a garden, what types of seeds would you want to germinate?
• How can people help plants survive?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about plants, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Think about the story setting. Tell if you think plants would survive there.
• Read outside one day and talk about how the plants’ needs are being met.
• Model making and fixing mistakes. Misread a word when you read with your child, stop, ask your child if that made sense, and then reread correctly.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Word Search
  • Find words in your daily reading that have or, our, or ore in them. Say the words aloud together.
• Week 2: Round Robin
  • Take turns naming words that have eer or ear in them. Keep going until you run out of words.
• Week 3: Let's Work!
  • Work together to make a list of words that have or or ar that sounds like er, as in work and dollar.

Module 9: Home Sweet Habitat

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about different animal habitats and the animals that live there.

We will read about animals that make their homes in forests, oceans, and deserts. We will also learn how different habitats meet the basic needs of the animals that live there. Children will write a research report about an animal and its relationship with others.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: ecosystem, habitat, species.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What kinds of living things are in our ecosystem?
• What would it be like to live in a blank habitat?
• What makes your favorite animal species special?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about animal habitats, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Read outside. Notice the living things around you, where they live, and how they depend on other living things.
• Snap your fingers when an animal is mentioned in your book. Talk about its habitat.
• Decide if the text you are reading is fiction, nonfiction, or tells someone’s opinion. Explain how you know.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Syllable Search
  • Take turns pointing out things at home that have two syllables. Tap out and say the syllables with your child.
• Week 2: A Good Book
  • During your daily reading, look for words that have the same vowel sounds as good and book.
• Week 3: Word Search
  • Look for words with a long u vowel sound, spelling with oo or ou, as in loop and soup.

Module 10: Many Cultures, One World

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be learning about the different cultures and traditions of people all around the world.

We will read about the ways that people celebrate and honor their heritage, and we’ll see a video of the different lunches that children enjoy in other countries. Children will also write a thank-you letter to someone who shared information about their culture.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Big Idea Words. Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: culture, harmony, heritage.

Try to incorporate questions like these into everyday conversations:

• What culture would you like to learn more about?
• What are some ways we can all live in harmony with each other?
• What do you know about our family’s heritage?

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about world cultures, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Snap your fingers when culture is mentioned in the text. This could be customs, traditions, food, art, music, or clothing.
• Talk about how characters or people in the text learn from each other’s differences.
• As you read, talk about new words you encounter and how you can figure out what they mean.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Prefix Practice
  • Use a dictionary to find words with the prefix mis–. Remove the prefix and see how the word meanings change.
• Week 2: Fun with Syllables
  • Write multisyllabic words on slips of paper. Draw a slip of paper and hop forward the number of syllables in each word. Designate a finish line and play until someone wins.
• Week 3: Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Make a tic-tac-toe board. Write a word with ei, ey, y, or ey in each square, leaving out the letters that spell the vowel sound. To mark X or O in a square, players must write the missing letters and say the word. For example: w _ _ gh, weigh.

Module 11: Genre Focus: Nonfiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be revisiting nonfiction texts from earlier in the year.

We will dig deeper into the genres of biography, opinion writing, and informational text and discover what their characteristics are. Children will also write a personal narrative about trying something new that challenged them.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Recommended Reading. Here are some additional nonfiction books you can find at your local library to read together and discuss.

• Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015.
• Am I a Good Friend?: A Book About Trustworthiness by Robin Nelson. Lerner, 2014.
• Baby Animals in Water Habitats by Bobbie Kalman. Crabtree Publishing, 2011.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about nonfiction texts, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Raise your hand when you notice words that pertain to text organization, like first, next, or then.
• Point to your brain when the author or narrator expresses their opinion.
• Before reading, guess what the central idea might be. After reading, discuss, correct, or confirm your prediction.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Syllable Chop!
  • Look for multisyllabic words in your daily reading and make a list. Read the words aloud and chop the syllables by making a chopping motion with your hand where the syllables should be divided. For example, rabbit; rab <chop> bit.
• Week 2: Challenge Accepted
  • See who can list the most words with the ow sound, such as down, round, and mouse.
• Week 3: Scavenger Hunt
  • Look for words with that have two vowels together that do not form a vowel team, such as lion, giant, and neon. Practice dividing the words into syllables.

Module 12: Genre Focus: Literary Texts

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will be revisiting literary texts from earlier in the year.

We will dig deeper into the genres of realistic fiction, fantasy, and poetry and discover what their characteristics are. Children will also write an opinion essay that explains why it’s important to believe in themselves.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Recommended Reading. Here are some additional literary texts you can find at your local library to read together and discuss.

• Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka. Carolrhoda Books, 2017.
• Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson. Nosy Crow, 2012.
• My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015.

Let’s Read Together. Make a special time and place to read with your child every day.

During this module about literary texts, try these activities during your reading time together:

• Snap your fingers when a new character is introduced. After reading, discuss favorite characters.
• Take turns using describing words that help you picture the setting of the selection.
• Clap when you notice figurative language, repetition, or other poetic elements in the text.

Word Play. Play with words to help develop skills that are important for reading.

• Week 1: Silent Challenge
  • See who can write the most words with silent letters combinations, such as kn, wr, gn, or mb.
• Week 2: Beat the Clock
  • Together, make a list of all the words with the prefixes un–, re–, and pre– that you can think of in one minute. And . . . GO!
• Week 3: Silly Songs
  • Make up silly song titles that include words with prefixes in–, dis–, or mis–. Discuss what each song would be about.

Module 1: What a Character!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about story characters and what makes them unique, with a focus on the realistic fiction genre. We will read texts about interesting characters who are true to themselves when faced with a challenge. Students will also write an expository essay about how authors use traits and behaviors to make their characters interesting.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is realistic fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Tell about characters who are unique, just like your child.
• Reflect problems or concerns that your child may recognize or need to confront.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words individuality, unique, feature, and personality in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is one way you are unique? Describe a feature that you look for in a friend.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the three-letter blends squ, str, scr, thr, and shr in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 2: Use Your Words

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about how people use words to express themselves, with a focus on the poetry genre and letters. We will read texts in which people share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Students will also write an opinion essay about how authors and poets make an impact through their use of words.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is poetry and letters. Discuss with your child the characteristics of these genres. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Use language in interesting and unique ways.
• Share feelings and ideas.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words express, convey, chronicle, and creative in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What word can you use to convey how you feel? Describe a creative game you like.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with doubled consonants before –ed, –ing, –er, or –est, such as in skipped, in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 3: Let Freedom Ring!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the documents and symbols of the United States, with a focus on the nonfiction genre. We will read texts and view videos about why certain things came to represent the values and ideals of the U.S. Students will also choose three people, places, holidays, documents, or symbols that represent the United States and write an expository essay about the things they chose.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words loyal, sovereignty, democracy, and civic in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What does a loyal friend do? How can we show civic pride?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with different spellings for the long a sound as in rain or sleigh (a, ai, ay, ey, eigh) and long i sound as in lie or sky (i, y, igh, ie) in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 4: Stories on Stage

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about plays, with a focus on the drama genre. We will read texts and view videos about the features of classic and contemporary plays. Students will also write an opinion essay about whether plays are an effective way to tell a story.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is drama. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Include interesting characters, settings, and conflicts.
• Offer opportunities to perform one or more scenes.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words audition, rehearse, ability, and actor in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: When is it good to rehearse? What is your best ability?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with different spellings for the long o sound as in grow or boat (o, oa, ow, oe) in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 5: Teamwork

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the concept of teamwork, with a focus on the realistic fiction genre. We will read texts and view videos about how sports can bring people together to work as a team. Students will also write an opinion essay about whether they believe playing sports can teach people to work together.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is realistic fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Reflect real-life problems and situations.
• Feature true-to-life characters who use teamwork to solve a problem.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words collaboration, symbiosis, determination, and unity in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What shows you have determination? When is unity important?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for homophones, such as blue/blew or grate/great, in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 6: Animal Behaviors

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about animal behavior, with a focus on the nonfiction genre. We will read texts about the behaviors and characteristics that animals use to survive. Students will also write an expository essay that compares and contrasts the behaviors of animals.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details about animal behavior.
• Have unique formats and visuals that take readers into an animal’s world.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words hatch, universal, span, and growth in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is the span of time you need to blank? Give an example of growth.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with oi and oy spellings that make the sound found in words like coin and boy in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 7: Make a Difference

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about people who make their communities better and stronger, with a focus on the narrative nonfiction genre. We will read texts about individuals and groups who make a difference in their local or global communities. Students will also write an opinion essay about which characteristic or behavior they believe is most important to make a meaningful difference in a community.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is narrative nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Tell the story of a real person who has made a difference in a community.
• Describe a clear sequence of events that explain the person’s contribution.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words outreach, fellowship, communal, and resident in conversations with your child.  Use prompts like these: Name the places where you are a resident. Describe a communal event.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with silent letter combinations (kn, gn, lm, mb, wr) in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 8: Imagine! Invent!

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about inventors and inventions, with a focus on the nonfiction genre. We will read texts about what it takes to make a successful invention. Children will also write an expository essay about the qualities and traits of successful inventors.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details about inventors and inventions.
• Reveal the true successes and failures behind an invention.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words invention, brilliant, productive, and original in conversations with your child.  Use prompts like these: When are you most productive, and why? Describe a brilliant idea.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes un–, re–, pre–, in–, dis–, mis–, fore–, pro–, intra–, inter–, and trans– in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 9: From Farm to Table

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about food sources, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how foods move from a farm to our plates. Children will also write an expository essay that tells how food gets from a farm to a plate.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details about where different types of food come from.
• Have visuals and graphic features that support and extend ideas presented in the text.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words agriculture, reap, nutrition, and tilling in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: How does good nutrition help you? What can we reap from a garden?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes non–, over–, semi–, anti–, sub–, and super– in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 10: Tell a Tale

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about traditional stories, with a focus on tales. We will read texts about how people of different cultures share stories from one generation to the next. Students will also write an opinion essay about whether or not the stories in this module should be shared with others.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is traditional tales. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Share stories from a variety of cultures.
• Teach lessons that are worth passing on to others.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words myth, folklore, recount, and inherit in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is your favorite myth, and why? Recount what happened in school today.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes mid– and post– and the suffixes –ful, –y, and –ly in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 11: Genre Study: Nonfiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about nonfiction. We will read different forms of nonfiction, including informational texts, narrative nonfiction, and opinion texts.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books your child chooses. Use prompts like these: Which parts of this book tell you it is nonfiction? What kind of nonfiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the nonfiction books and articles that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.

Module 12: Genre Study: Fiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about fiction. We will read different forms of fiction, including realistic fiction, poetry, and traditional tales.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting characters, settings, and plots.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books they choose. Use prompts like these: Which parts of this book tell you it is fiction? What kind of fiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the fiction books that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.

Module 1: Becoming Yourself

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about identity, with a focus on a variety of story types. We will read texts and view videos about how our experiences help shape our identity. Students will also write an expository essay, which will explain how an experience helped shape their identity and will compare their experience and feelings to those of the characters in the module.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is different kinds of stories, including fantasy, realistic fiction, and folktales. Discuss with your child the similarities and differences of these story types. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Include vivid descriptions of characters and their experiences.
• Show how characters’ experiences shape their identity.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words identity, pursuit, experience, and wisdom in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: How has your wisdom helped you? Describe a positive experience.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes un–, in–, and im– and the suffixes –y, –ly, and –er in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 2: Come to Your Senses

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the five senses, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how people and animals use their senses to navigate the world. Students will also choose one of the five senses and write an expository essay to tell how people and animals use that sense to navigate the world.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words perception, aroma, distinguish, and tactile in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is your favorite aroma, and why? Describe a tactile experience.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes re– and pre– and the suffixes –s, –es, –ed, and –ing in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 3: Rise to the Occasion

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the qualities needed to rise to the occasion, with a focus on the genre of historical fiction. We will read texts and view videos about what it takes to meet a challenge. Students will also write an opinion essay about the character trait they think is most important to have in order to overcome a challenge.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.  

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is historical fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre, such as stories that are set in the past with realistic characters and events. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Have a theme or message.
• Have unique formats, such as a diary or a play.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words confront, dauntless, endurance, and dedication, using prompts like these: When have you felt dauntless? Describe a time you had to confront a problem.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes mis– and dis– and with the suffixes –tion, –sion, and –ive in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 4: Heroic Feats

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about heroic feats, with a focus on the genres of fairy tales and myths. We will read texts and view videos about what makes someone a hero. Children will also write an expository essay about the personal qualities and actions that make someone a hero.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is fairy tales and myths. Discuss with your child the characteristics of these story genres, such as tales that often have fantasy characters and happy endings. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Describe heroic actions.
• Have dramatic photographs and/or illustrations.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words aspire, confidence, endeavor, and fearlessness in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What do you aspire to be, and why? Describe a time you displayed confidence.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the suffixes –ness and –ment and prefixes over– and under– in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 5: Art Everywhere

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about art and creative talents, with a focus on the biography genre. We will read texts and view videos about the impacts that artists can have on the world. Children will also write an expository essay about the impact that artists and their art can have on the world.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is biography. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre, such as the true story of a real person’s life. Ask your child to read to you each day.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Encourage your child’s creative talents.
• Discuss people your child admires.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words sculpture, creativity, inspiration, and expressive in conversations with your child.  Use prompts like these: What can you do to show your creativity? What gives you inspiration, and why?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes sub– and fore– and suffixes –ful, –ous, and –less in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 6: Marvels of Nature

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about natural wonders, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about what makes Earth’s natural wonders exciting and unique. Students will also write an expository essay about what makes Earth’s natural wonders exciting and unique.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share what they are learning. Use these ideas to discuss the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre; for example, it gives facts and information about a topic. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words scenic, landscape, canyon, and landform in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is your favorite landform, and why? Describe a landscape.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes ir– and il– and the suffixes –able and  –ible in books and online texts.

Module 7: Tricksters and Tall Tales

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about traditional stories, with a focus on story genres such as tall tales, trickster tales, and legends. We will read texts and view videos about what lessons you can learn from characters in traditional tales. Students will also write an expository essay to tell why it is important to consider the results of their actions.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is traditional stories. Discuss with your child the characteristics of traditional stories, such as how they often teach a lesson and include characters that are animals or that have exaggerated abilities. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Include a lesson.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words trickster, shrewd, exaggeration, and legendary in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: Name some characters that are tricksters. Describe something that is legendary.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes inter– and intra– and the suffixes –ty and –ity in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 8: Food for Thought

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about healthful food, with a focus on the informational/argumentative text genre. We will read texts and view videos about what we can do to make more healthful food choices. Students will also write an opinion essay that tells why it is important to eat nutritious foods.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational/argumentative text. Discuss how this genre uses facts to persuade readers to agree with an opinion. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words digest, sustainable, nutrition, and compost in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is something we cannot digest? What items can we compost?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots auto, bio, photo, and graph and with the suffixes –en and –ic in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 9: Global Guardians

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about protecting the planet, with a focus on the persuasive text genre. We will read texts and view videos about what people can do to take care of our planet. Students will also write an expository essay about how people can care for the planet.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is persuasive text. Discuss with your child how to analyze the reasons given in a persuasive text to decide if they are convincing. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Use descriptive language.
• Have engaging photographs or illustrations.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words ecology, recycle, conservation, and sanctuary in everyday conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What items can we recycle? How could we help the conservation movement?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots vis, spec, aud, and phon(o) and with the suffixes –or and –ist in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 10: Communication Nation

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about communication, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about what forms communication can take. Students will also choose three forms of communication from their reading and write an expository essay about why those forms of communication are important.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss the characteristics of this genre, such as giving facts about a topic. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words broadcast, publication, blog, and correspond in everyday conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is your favorite publication, and why? How can we correspond?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots port, dict, meter, therm(o), tele, and scope in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 11: Genre Study: Nonfiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about nonfiction. We will read different forms of nonfiction, including informational texts, biographies, and argumentative texts.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books your child chooses. Use prompts like these: What parts of this book tell you it is nonfiction? What kind of nonfiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the nonfiction books and articles that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.

Module 12: Genre Study: Fiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about fiction. We will read different forms of fiction, including realistic fiction, folktales, and historical fiction.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting characters, settings, and plots.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books your child chooses. Use prompts like these: What parts of this book tell you it is fiction? What kind of fiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the fiction books that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.

Module 1: Inventors at Work

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about inventors, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how people can create amazing things through innovation, perseverance, and the desire to solve problems. Students will also write an expository essay about the circumstances that pushed the inventors in this module to create new inventions.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Show a particular point of view.
• Have a clear text structure.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words excel, illustrious, revere, and transcend in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What do you excel at? Is there a person you revere? Who?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes in–, im–, dis–, un–, non–, re–, pre–, and mis– and with the suffixes –ty, –ity, –y, –ly/–ily, –ful, –less, and –ous in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 2: What a Story

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about subgenres of fiction, with a focus on different ways to tell a great story. We will read texts and view videos about how writers share compelling stories in literature of many types. Students will also write an expository essay telling how each genre affects the way a story is told.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Tell a compelling story, perhaps in an unfamiliar way.
• Allow your child to explore existing interests or discover new ones.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words prose, dialogue, climax, and foreword in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What was the climax of the last movie you watched? Describe what dialogue looks like in print.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots phon, photo, meter, gram, graph, and auto; with prefixes post– and fore–; and with suffixes –ment and –ness in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 3: Natural Disasters

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about natural disasters, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how Earth’s movements, features, and weather can cause natural disasters. Students will also write an opinion essay about the best way to prepare for a natural disaster.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Explore interesting scientific facts and ideas.
• Have unique formats, graphic features, and visual elements.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words notable, spontaneous, tremor, and hazard in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What hazards do you avoid? Describe the last spontaneous thing you did.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots aud, vis, spect, geo, bio, and astro; with prefixes il– and ir–; and with suffixes –able, –ible, –logy, and –ist in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 4: The American West

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about westward expansion in the United States, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how U.S. westward expansion affected different groups in the nation. Children will also write an expository essay about the impacts of U.S. westward expansion on different groups of people.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Express a clear central idea.
• Have a clear text structure (e.g., problem/solution, sequence, cause-and-effect).

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words native, epic, midland, and victory in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: Which plants or animals are native to our local area? When have you experienced a victory?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes ex–/e–, inter–, intra–, and com–/con–/cor– and with the suffixes –tion, –sion, and –ion in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 5: Project Earth

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about our planet, with a focus on the persuasive text genre. We will read texts and view videos about different things people do to care for Earth and its living things. Students will also write an opinion essay about what they think people can do to make Earth a better place today and in the future.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is persuasive text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts:

• That spark your child’s curiosity.
• That tie to the module topic.
• In which an author presents evidence for or against something.
• In which the author asks readers to take action on an issue.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words contaminate, benevolent, imperil, and endangered in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is the opposite of contaminate? Describe a benevolent person.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the prefixes mid–, semi–, trans–, over–, under–, mal–, pro–, and anti– and with the suffixes –al, –ic, and –ous/–ious in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 6: Art for Everyone

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about different art forms, with a focus on the biography genre. We will read texts and view videos about how different art forms impact people in different ways. Students will also write an expository essay telling how different art forms have impacted people’s lives.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is biography. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Present interesting ideas and points of view.
• Help readers connect to historical events.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words classic, tribute, striking, and provoking in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: What is a fun classic game? Describe an animal you think is striking.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots dict, scribe/script, struct, form, therm, tele, and scop(e) in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 7: Above, Below, and Beyond

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about exploration, with a focus on the autobiography genre. We will read texts and view videos about important discoveries people have made on land, in the oceans, and in space. Children will also write an expository essay that explains how curiosity encourages exploration.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is autobiography. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Provide first-person accounts of interesting discoveries.
• Describe a clear sequence of events and have unique visuals.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words expedition, incredible, progress, and chronology in conversations with your child.  Use prompts like these: Where would you like to go on an expedition? Describe something incredible in nature.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the root bene, the suffixes –ure, –tive, and –ism, and the prefixes de–, micro–, mega–, sub–, and super– in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 8: A New Home

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the experience of moving to a new country, with a focus on the poetry genre. We will read texts and view videos about how people adapt to new experiences to make a home in a new place. Students will also write an opinion essay about whether or not they think it is easy to adapt to a new experience or place.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are  learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre The genre focus in this module is poetry. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day, and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Model themes or lessons that might be familiar to your child.
• Include interesting text formats or graphic features.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words nomadic, voice, monologue, and temporary in daily conversation with your child. Use prompts like: What makes something temporary? Describe a monologue.
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots tract, gress, grad/grade, ped, dent, and derm, and with prefixes mono–, uni–, bi–, and tri– in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 9: Unexpected, Unexplained

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about mysterious events, with a focus on the mystery genre. We will read texts and view videos about why people are drawn to mysteries and driven to solve them. Children will also write an opinion essay about which mysteries in the module are the most believable and which seem made up for entertainment.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading, and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is mystery. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Describe interesting characters and events.
• Present a conflict and show how it is resolved.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words suspense, falsify, factor, and effect in conversations with your child.  Use prompts like these: What factors can change your mood? Is suspense exciting? Why?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots hydr(o), dem(o), fact, fect, voc, ject, flect, and flex and suffix –fy in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 10: The Lives of Animals

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about the lives of animals, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about the amazing characteristics and abilities of animals. Students will also write an opinion essay about whether they think animal interactions and human interactions are more similar than they are different.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Talk about the ideas your child has added to the Knowledge Map each week.
• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is informational text. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Tie to the module topic.
• Express a clear central idea.
• Include text and graphic features.
• Have a particular tone.
• Use precise and descriptive words.

Build Vocabulary. Use these ideas to help your child build a rich vocabulary.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce the topic words tension, antisocial, bond, and relationship in conversations with your child. Use prompts like these: With whom do you feel a strong bond? When do you feel tension?
• What Does It Mean? Have your child keep a growing list of the Critical Vocabulary words. Quiz each other on their meanings.
• Word Hunt. Look for words with the roots chrom, chron, hypo, hyper, cede, and tain in books, magazines, online texts, and environmental print.

Module 11: Genre Study: Nonfiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about nonfiction. We will read different forms of nonfiction, including informational texts, narrative nonfiction, and persuasive texts.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is nonfiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for nonfiction texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting facts and details.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books your child chooses. Use prompts like these: What parts of this book tell you it is nonfiction? What kind of nonfiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the nonfiction books and articles that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.

Module 12: Genre Study: Fiction

HELLO, FAMILY!

Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about fiction. We will read different forms of fiction, including realistic fiction, plays, and mysteries.

BRING IT HOME! Learning fun for the whole family!

Discuss the Topic. Set aside time daily for your child to share with you what they are learning. Use these ideas to help build your child’s knowledge about the topic:

• Ask about the texts your child is reading and what your child has learned from them.
• Share with your child your own questions about the topic and work together to find the answers.

Explore the Genre. The genre focus in this module is fiction. Discuss with your child the characteristics of this genre. Ask your child to read to you each day and make time to read together.

Look for texts that:

• Spark your child’s curiosity.
• Provide interesting characters, settings, and plots.
• Have unique formats and graphic features.

Build Genre Knowledge. Use these ideas to help your child build genre knowledge.

• The Big Idea. Reinforce genre by having your child point out and explain genre features in the books your child chooses. Use prompts like these: What parts of this book tell you it is fiction? What kind of fiction is this? How do you know?
• What Have I Read? Have your child keep a growing list of the fiction books that they have read. Next to each title, have your child note the book’s genre features.