Parent Information Night Grade 2 Reading and Writing Assessment January 22, 2008

What are we doing? Every Grade 2 child in New Brunswick is assessed using the same tool. It is an assessment of the child, the school and the educational system in New Brunswick as a whole.

The writing assessment takes place within a 10 day period. Students may actually write several pieces and their teachers select the best to send to Fredericton. The choice of topic is the child’s. You may help them brainstorm an idea the night before. Handwriting is not held against the child, but the piece must be readable for the markers to assess it. The writing is assessed during the summer by a team of teachers. It must have 2 teachers independently agree on the grade before it is given the mark. (BAA, AA, SA)

The reading assessment takes 2-3 days (maximum 45 minutes each). It will consist of 6-8 pieces at various reading levels. (K-L-M) It is multiple choice. The student circles the best answer out of four choices. It includes fiction and non-fiction.

Provincial Standards “How to Help Your Child Succeed in School”

What Can Parents Do?

Three “essentials” to reading success: Accuracy Fluency/expression Comprehension

Accuracy To be considered an “independent” reader at any level the child must be able to read almost all (95%) of the words correctly. Must be able to recognize a number of words by sight. (Different from “no excuse” words for writing.)

Decode words using meaning, phonics and oral language structure.

Fluency Reading should sound like talking. See handout for suggestions.

Comprehension Won’t happen if there are problems with accuracy and fluency. It is the core of why we read. Three levels of comprehension: - literal - inferential - personal/critical

Literal  The answer to your question is directly in the book. (Giving support/proof)

Inferential Combining what the author has said with what you know to discover the implied meaning.

Personal/Critical Responding to the text with your opinion or relating to personal experiences.

Journal Jar Write things that have happened to your child (small moment) on strips of paper. When your child is stuck for a writing idea, choose one from the jar.

Scrapbook Use photos and pictures that your child has drawn to show different events that have happened to you. These may include a birthday party, sporting event, family outing, best friends, relatives etc.

Lists Write lists to show what needs to be done or picked up while grocery shopping.

Letters/ s Encourage your child to write to family and friends. It is very rewarding to get a message back.

Story Starters Write story starters on popsicle sticks and have your child choose one. Sometimes a few key words can set off a child’s imagination.

Share the Pen Write the beginning to a story and have your child add on. Continue sharing the pen until you come up with a good middle and ending. Read the story back and forth to each other as you write to make sure the story makes sense.

Rewrite a Favourite Story Have your child retell a favourite story that you have read to him/her. Give credit to the author and don’t use his/her exact words! Have your child give a different ending to a favourite story.

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