Strong writers emerge from strong readers at Newbridge Road Elementary School. Recent fifth grade lessons have been connecting the two cornerstones of literacy.

In Michele Hooker’s class, students turn their reading into writing by crafting book reviews. Periodically throughout the year, they are asked to make recommendations on the books they are reading, either in class or at home. Time is set aside during school each day for independent reading, and students can choose from hundreds of books in the classroom library and book bins. They are also asked to read every night.

For their reviews, students are asked to give it a rating out of five stars, draw a picture of the main character and write a summary. The reviews are then hung up for all students to see.

Ms. Hooker challenges her students to read 40 books throughout the school year, between home and school. They are encouraged to read a variety of genres including biographies, fantasy, mystery, poetry and realistic fiction. The book reviews give students great suggestions to help them complete the challenge.

“It’s nice to get the perspective of your peers,” she said.

In Karen Barrins fifth grade class, students are getting started on their memoir writing unit. But before they put pen to paper, they read published memoirs to explore effective writing techniques and strategies. These mentor texts serve as a guide to help the young writers craft their own original pieces.

While students did explore books by noted authors, they also read memoirs that were done by other children their age.

“It makes it tangible for them,” Principal Amanda Licci said. “They think, ‘If a fifth grader did that, I can do it, too.’”

Whether they are writing about books or generating ideas for stories, “It all comes back to reading and thinking about what they’ve read,” Ms. Licci added.

Date Added: 11/9/2023