Jennifer Fitch
Reading Specialist
* Just a quick note - I was married this summer and my name has changed. 
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
phone: 223-7936 x309
Welcome Back
I hope everyone enjoyed a happy and healthy summer. I'm looking forward to hearing about all the great books the students read this summer! In the first few weeks of school, I'll be catching up with former students and visiting classrooms. If you have concerns about your child and his/her reading development, please do not hesitate to contact me or to stop in for a quick conversation.
In my role as the Reading Specialist, I work with staff and students in the area of literacy. I work to support students who have been identified as needing extra support to be successful and occassionally with students who are reading at a more advanced level. I also serve as a support to teachers as they implement reading instruction and assessment practices that are informed by research. My office is located in the Learning Center. I am usually available between 8:15 am and 4:00 pm. However, as I am often away from my desk working with students, you may find me difficult to reach. Please feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Topics of Interest
This is the area where you will find articles of interest on a variety of topics. If you would like more information on any of the topics or if you have areas you would like me to address, please let me know.
Picture Books... Not just for young children This article will provide information about the power of using picture books beyond the early years.
Choosing the right book to read with two children. Parents often struggle when selecting books to read-aloud to multiple children. Here are some hints that may help that process go more smoothly.
Selecting Appropriate Books
It is important that the text be at a level that is "comfortable" for your child to read. If a reader takes too much time and mental effort decoding individual words, he/she can't attend to the meaning. A rule of thumb is that a reader should recognize 95% of the words for the text to be at his/her independent level.
Below are some suggested lists for typical readers. Please bear in mind that the lists are not exhaustive and are only intended to guide you towards appropriate reading material for your child. PLEASE preview books to ensure that you are comfortable with the content of the books. This is especially important at the upper elementary levels. These are only suggestions. Individual children and their abilities will vary. Kindergarten/Beginning First Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade
Enchanted Learning is a diverse assortment of activities for all ages and areas of interest.
Playbook for Dads this is a nice resource for fathers who want some tips on how to read with their children
Jan Brett’s Website is a wonderful collection of activities and information about her books.
Books for Boys is an extensive list complied by Michael Sullivan. It includes over 400 titles that will appeal to a range of readers.
Starfall is an interactive site intended to help develop early reading skills.
Mother Goose Programs enhance the development, self-esteem, school readiness and success of young children by building the skills and confidence of parents, librarians and early childhood and other educators.
Hubbard's Cupboard is a variety of resources and activities for parents and early childhood educators.
Mrs. Jones class among other things, this site has wonderful sing-along songs.
Kaboose Reading Games fun online reading games for children. These games are most appropriate for children ages 6 and up. There are also games appropriate for younger students.
Scholastic online, interactive games for children.
Nursery Rhymes and poems can be found at the Curry Site.
Be sure to check back often as I will be updating this page. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
