Readworks Assignments

Hi Parents/Guardians,

Just before we begin with the Readworks program, I need to clarify my expectations about these assignments.

First, I need to emphasize that this is not intended to replace the classroom literacy program, but to supplement it. The recommendation for K-3 is one hour of school work a day. If your child finishes their classroom work early or they want additional reading practice, then Readworks is an option. If students just want to read in the student library for enjoyment, that’s okay too.  Readworks should be a positive experience and not a battle between parent and child.

Just to clarify some aspects of the program that I am assigning once a week on Mondays. I assign either an Article-a Day reading package or a Reading Passage, not both.

Article a Day – should only take 10 minutes.

Within the package your child has a choice of what to read. They can read one article or more if they get interested. The article marked ‘boost’ is easier to read and the article marked ‘challenge’ is more difficult to read. There is an audio feature which they can switch on at the top of the text. The child can read along or just listen to the text if the reading text is a challenge. After listening/reading to the article, the child responds. Click on the Book of Knowledge and your child will write 1 or 2 things they have learned from the passage in sentence form. Submit. I will read it and respond. If writing is a challenge, they can tell you 1 or 2 things they learned or draw a picture. If your child wants to write more in their Book of Knowledge that would be great.

The article a day section is aimed at developing vocabulary and building background knowledge. It also supports the reading – writing connection.

Reading Passages – Time needed will vary.

There is one reading text assigned. Not all texts have e-books. If there is an e-book I will attach it. I will attach the audio function, but if your child does not need it and can read the text independently, don’t use the audio. I can remove the audio for any students if you let me know. There is audio for the questions by clicking on the speaker button in the top right corner.

After reading the text there are different kinds of comprehension questions that address various reading skills. Your child can answer all the questions or just the multiple-choice questions, whatever can be done independently or without a fuss. There is a button to click for split screen when doing the comprehension, so the reading passage is on the left and the questions appear on the right side.

Submit when the child has completed as much as they are able or willing to do. I have hidden the answers but I will reveal them when I return the results.

The vocabulary tab is added but that is a feature for parents to use with their child if they don’t know the meaning of a word. It is not part of the child’s reading program and does not need to be read by the child.

I will try to find passages that relate to classroom curriculum when possible.

Remember, your child can always read in the student library that is enabled in the program.

Your child will need some support to navigate the website at first, but hopefully they will be able to do this assignment more independently over time.

Any feedback would be helpful and welcome as I am still learning the steps in administrating this program.

Thanks for supporting your child’s reading.