Book-in-a-Bag

Your child should have begun bringing a book home each night in his/her Book-in-a-Bag. It is part of your child’s morning routine to change this book daily by selecting a new book from his/her Book Bin. As of right now, your child may only have 3-4 books in the Book Bin, and may bring the same book home several times. This is ok.

Here are some common concerns about Book-in-a-Bag and ideas to utilize this time more effectively:
*My child keeps bring the same book home each night: Not a problem. Rereading a book will allow your child to become familiar with the story. If it is a non-leveled (picture/story) book, your child should be able to retell the story to you. See if he/she is including all parts of the story, using language from the story, and included the dialogue of the characters. Discuss the characters, setting, plot (problem & solution) for the story.

*My child is bringing home a book that seems too hard for him/her to read on their own. Is it ok for me to read it to him/her? Yes; reading to your child is a wonderful step to helping your child learn how to read. Try moving your finger under each word as you read it to help your child better understand that each word you say is a separate word on the page.

*My child is not bringing a book home every night. Book-in-a-Bag is a part of your child’s homework, and it is very important that you uphold this nightly routine. We will do our best to remind your child at school, but we need your help at home. We are unable to watch all 34 of our students pick a book. It is their responsibility. Please help your child understand how much you love to read with them. This should give them incentive to remember their book… it can be your special time each night.