What is The Lexile Framework for Reading?The Lexile Framework for Reading, developed by educational measurement company MetaMetrics®, Inc., is a scientific approach to measuring reading ability and the difficulty of reading materials. The Lexile Framework includes a Lexile measure and the Lexile scale. A Lexile measure represents both the difficulty of a text, such as a book or an article, and an individual’s reading ability. Lexile measures are expressed as a number followed by an “L” (e.g., 850L), and are placed on the Lexile scale. The Lexile scale is a developmental scale for measuring reading ability and text difficulty, ranging from below 200L for beginning readers and beginning-reader materials to above 1700L for advanced readers and materials. Knowing the Lexile measures of a reader and text helps to predict how the text matches the reader’s ability—whether the text may be too easy, too difficult or just right. All Lexile products and services rely on the Lexile measure and Lexile scale to match reader with text. Because many testing and instructional companies have built products around the Lexile Framework—and a growing number of states have linked their high-stakes assessments to the framework—educators are able to connect all of the different components of the curriculum. Once you have a student’s Lexile measure, you use that measure to connect the student with books and articles from periodicals, newspapers, reference books and transcripts that are targeted to the student’s reading level.
Adapted from http://www.lexile.com/
I hope this brief information is helpful in better understanding the Lexile scores.
It was nice seeing all parents this past week at conferences!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Krasnodebski
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
September 2nd - 6th
AimsWeb/MAPS testing for our school will take place the week of 9/2. On MAPS, students will be taking the math portion of the test first, then reading. Please see that your child is well rested, and has a healthy breakfast each day.
Fourth grade Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th, starting at 6:30 p.m. This is an important evening that will highlight significant 4th grade information. You will meet first with your child's math teacher and then with me. I hope you can make it.
Important Dates
Mon., Sept. 2nd -- No School
Week of Sept. 2nd -- AimsWeb/MAPS testing
Thurs., Sept. 12th -- Curriculum Night 6:30 - 7:30
Thurs., Sept. 26th -- Picture Day
Fri., Sept. 27th -- Early dismissal
Friday, August 23, 2013
August 26th - 30th
Welcome!
Hoping that everyone had a wonderful summer! We are happy to be coming back and are ready for a great year. Welcome back returning students and welcome to those who are new with us this year. Mrs. Krasnodebski will be working in 4th Grade Resource. Students will see her throughout the fourth grade area all day long!
We welcome back our students with three assistants in 4th grade. Mrs. Micek will be with 4th graders all day in multiple rooms. Mrs. Linde, who will be assisting 4th grade in the afternoon. She spends the morning half of the day as a PE assistant. Also, new to Prairieview and 4th grade this year is Mr. Beranek. How lucky we are to have all of them part of our team!
Hoping that everyone had a wonderful summer! We are happy to be coming back and are ready for a great year. Welcome back returning students and welcome to those who are new with us this year. Mrs. Krasnodebski will be working in 4th Grade Resource. Students will see her throughout the fourth grade area all day long!
We welcome back our students with three assistants in 4th grade. Mrs. Micek will be with 4th graders all day in multiple rooms. Mrs. Linde, who will be assisting 4th grade in the afternoon. She spends the morning half of the day as a PE assistant. Also, new to Prairieview and 4th grade this year is Mr. Beranek. How lucky we are to have all of them part of our team!
We are all looking forward to working with your child and helping him/her to achieve at his/her full potential. Mrs. Krasnodebski will discuss your child's academic history with his/her classroom teachers in preparation for the upcoming year. The parent-teacher relationship is vital to your child's success in school. By working together, we can help your child have a very fulfilling learning experience.
We hope to see you at the Open House on Tuesday, August 27th . If you are able to visit, the resource room is located in the 4th Grade Wing on the second floor. Mrs. Krasnodebski may be reached during school hours at (630) 783-5097. You may leave a voice mail message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. She may also be reached at the respective e-mail address: jkrasno@ccsd66.org . She can respond more quickly when sent an email. Throughout the year, she will communicate with the home through notes in the assignment notebook, blog, telephone calls, progress reports, school newsletters and report cards. She will also be available for parent-teacher conferences, as they are needed.
Mrs. Krasnodebski's teaching is based on the premise that all students can learn, despite any obstacles in their path. For that reason, our students receive instruction and support both in the general education classroom and in the resource room. Your child will receive an educational program that encompasses the goals and instructional strategies outlined in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will work very hard to help your child complete all of his/her goals and objectives. If you have any questions regarding your child's academic performance, please do not hesitate to make contact.
The resource room is a classroom like any other. In order to function, it must have rules and policies that ensure fair treatment for teachers and students alike.
We hope to see you at the Open House on Tuesday, August 27th . If you are able to visit, the resource room is located in the 4th Grade Wing on the second floor. Mrs. Krasnodebski may be reached during school hours at (630) 783-5097. You may leave a voice mail message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. She may also be reached at the respective e-mail address: jkrasno@ccsd66.org . She can respond more quickly when sent an email. Throughout the year, she will communicate with the home through notes in the assignment notebook, blog, telephone calls, progress reports, school newsletters and report cards. She will also be available for parent-teacher conferences, as they are needed.
Mrs. Krasnodebski's teaching is based on the premise that all students can learn, despite any obstacles in their path. For that reason, our students receive instruction and support both in the general education classroom and in the resource room. Your child will receive an educational program that encompasses the goals and instructional strategies outlined in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will work very hard to help your child complete all of his/her goals and objectives. If you have any questions regarding your child's academic performance, please do not hesitate to make contact.
The resource room is a classroom like any other. In order to function, it must have rules and policies that ensure fair treatment for teachers and students alike.
Once again, welcome back! The 2013-2014 school year is going to be a great experience for your child! Thank you in advance for your support and commitment throughout the year.
Friday, May 31, 2013
June 3 - 5
Summer Fun in Chicago
Free Things To Do In Downtown Chicago
I wish you all a great summer!
I can't wait to see all of you again.
I can't wait to see all of you again.
Enjoy the sunny days and I'll see you in a few weeks!
Take care,
Mrs. Krasnodebski
Friday, May 24, 2013
May 27-31
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
May 27 -- Memorial Day -- No School
May 29 -- Public Library Summer Program Assembly
May 29 -- Talent Show
June 3 -- School picnic
June 4 -- Bowling
June 5 -- Last day of school; Dismissal 9:30 for PV
The PV picnic is scheduled for Monday, June 3. The PTO is asking that students NOT wear flip flops that day due to the scheduled activities.
Homework: In an effort to make the transition to 5th grade as smooth as possible, the fourth grade teachers will be enforcing the 5th grade policy for late work during the month of May.
The policy is as follows:
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Friday, May 17, 2013
May 20-24
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
May 27 -- Memorial Day -- No School
May 29 -- Talent Show
June 3 -- School picnic
June 4 -- Bowling
June 5 -- Last day of school; Dismissal 9:30 for PV
On Wednesday and Thursday our 4th grade classes will be taking a field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts. We will be leaving school at 9:30 and returning around 12:00. Your child MUST BRING A SACK LUNCH on the day of their fieldtrip.
Homework: In an effort to make the transition to 5th grade as smooth as possible, the fourth grade teachers will be enforcing the 5th grade policy for late work during the month of May.
The policy is as follows:
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Friday, May 10, 2013
May 13 - 17
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
May 9 -- Wheel of Wisdom
May 17 -- Early Dismissal Day @ 11:00
May 27 -- Memorial Day -- No School
May 29 -- Talent Show
June 3 -- School picnic
June 4 -- Bowling
June 5 -- Last day of school; Dismissal 9:30 for PV
Homework: In an effort to make the transition to 5th grade as smooth as possible, the fourth grade teachers will be enforcing the 5th grade policy for late work during the month of May.
The policy is as follows:
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you to the students and parents who helped make Teacher Appreciation Week so special. I really enjoyed the breakfast and luncheon organized by PTO. The meals were both DELICIOUS!
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you to the students and parents who helped make Teacher Appreciation Week so special. I really enjoyed the breakfast and luncheon organized by PTO. The meals were both DELICIOUS!
Friday, May 3, 2013
May 6-10
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
May 9 -- Wheel of Wisdom
May 17 -- Early Dismissal Day @ 11:00
May 27 -- Memorial Day -- No School
Homework: In an effort to make the transition to 5th grade as smooth as possible, the fourth grade teachers will be enforcing the 5th grade policy for late work during the month of May.
The policy is as follows:
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Friday, April 26, 2013
April 29 - May 3
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
April 30 - May 3 MAPS testing
May 2 - Fourth Grade Aimsweb BenchmarkingMay 17 -- Early Dismissal Day @ 11:00
Homework: In an effort to make the transition to 5th grade as smooth as possible, the fourth grade teachers will be enforcing the 5th grade policy for late work during the month of May.
The policy is as follows:
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
-Any assignment that is late, but not taken for a grade, will receive a late slip. The student will have one point taken out of his/her homework bank. (NO CHANGE)
-Any assignment that is late & taken for a grade will receive a late slip, but no points will be lost from the homework bank. If the assignment is turned in one day late, the final grade will be reduced by 10%. If the assignment is more than one day late, but turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be reduced by 25%. If the assignment is not turned in before the unit test, the final grade will be a zero.
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 15 - 19
Read Between the Lines
Learning to infer, or "read between the lines," is one key to good reading comprehension. Here are ways to help your youngster make inferences when she reads.
Describe the Setting
Pick a book, and read a few sentences to your child (without her looking). Leave out words that give away the setting. Example: "Sand stretched in all directions . . . cacti dotted the landscape.' Can she infer where the story is set? If she isn't sure, give her a hint ("Where do you see lots of sand and cacti?")
Look for Lessons
Fables are great for reading between the lines. Read one by Aesop, and help your youngster figure out the lesson. For instance, The Tortoise and the Hare teaches that even if you're slow, you can win if you just keep going. Have her point out parts that she used to make her interference ("The tortoise never stopped, and he took one good step after another").
Use Prompts
Questions that start with "Why do you think . . . ?" or "How do you know . . . ?" can encourage your child to infer. You might ask why she thinks a character behaved the way he did or how she knows it's going to snow. Together, look for clues in the book that might help her answer the questions.
from Reading Connection, February 2013
Upcoming Dates:
*Spring Open House on Thursday, April 18.
Learning to infer, or "read between the lines," is one key to good reading comprehension. Here are ways to help your youngster make inferences when she reads.
Describe the Setting
Pick a book, and read a few sentences to your child (without her looking). Leave out words that give away the setting. Example: "Sand stretched in all directions . . . cacti dotted the landscape.' Can she infer where the story is set? If she isn't sure, give her a hint ("Where do you see lots of sand and cacti?")
Look for Lessons
Fables are great for reading between the lines. Read one by Aesop, and help your youngster figure out the lesson. For instance, The Tortoise and the Hare teaches that even if you're slow, you can win if you just keep going. Have her point out parts that she used to make her interference ("The tortoise never stopped, and he took one good step after another").
Use Prompts
Questions that start with "Why do you think . . . ?" or "How do you know . . . ?" can encourage your child to infer. You might ask why she thinks a character behaved the way he did or how she knows it's going to snow. Together, look for clues in the book that might help her answer the questions.
from Reading Connection, February 2013
Upcoming Dates:
*Spring Open House on Thursday, April 18.
Friday, April 5, 2013
April 8 - 12
Reading with Your Child
As your youngster learns how to read, celebrate his new skills by letting him read to you. With these ideas, he can practice reading smoothly and using expression.
Set him up for success.
Help him pick stories he'll feel confident reading aloud. These might be books that you have read to him many times (say a favorite bedtime story) or stories that have a repeating phrase. Idea: If he chooses a harder book, suggest that you take turns reading pages or paragraphs.
Offer encouragement.
Pointing out what your child does well can help him do it again. ("Your voice sounded growly - just like a bear - when you read that line!") Idea: If he stumbles over a word here and there, tell him what it is so he doesn't get frustrated and can continue reading. If he hesitates over too many words, let him pick an easier book.
Make suggestions.
Your youngster will read more fluently if he understands the story. If his voice sounds flat or he's reading too fast or too slow, stop to talk about what's happening in the book. ("Wow, that part was scary! How do you think the mouse feels?") Once he understands the plot, have him read it again.
Tip: Try to let your child read aloud every day. Even a few minutes will increase his confidence and help him become a more fluent reader!
from Reading Connection, April 2013
Upcoming Dates:
*Math Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
*No school on Tuesday - Institute Day.
*OLSAT testing on Thursday from 10:00-11:00.
*No school on Friday.
*Spring Open House on Thursday, April 18.
Friday, March 29, 2013
April 1 - 5
Study Tips & Study Skills
Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams. Everyone is different. Different methods work for different people; the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques.
It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory.Don't try to do all your studying the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.Have all of your study material in front of you: notes, textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material.Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).Start out by studying the most important information.Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget.Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter, practice tests that the teacher may give out or other pertinent materials.Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the boredom of studying.Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.
Friday, March 22, 2013
March 25 - March 29
Spring Break Activities
Here are some great ideas for family fun and activities during spring break!
Spring vacation is a great time for families to recharge, get ready for the home stretch of the school year, and have some fun with activities. Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home during spring break or take a fun family trip, here are some great ideas for spring break activities to do with your kids.
1. Have Fun with Spring Crafts
There’s something about springtime that inspires one to create fun and colorful creations out of spring crafts ideas. (Maybe it’s all that renewal and rebirth going on around us that stokes the creative soul.) These spring crafts for kids are perfect for when you’re enjoying some downtime during spring vacation. Check out these spring crafts ideas for inspiration and instructions.
2. Have a Fun Family Picnic
What better way to spend a beautiful warm day outside than to go on a fun family picnic? Just pack up a basket with yummy and healthy picnic food and tote along some fun games and toys. Your family is sure to have a terrific, relaxing and joyful day together. The best part: Your kids will be so exhausted at the end of the fun day that they’ll probably go to bed without much ado!
3. Decorate Easter Eggs
One of the most fun things about Easter is decorating Easter eggs. Grade-schoolers can really get creative coming up with designs and using their imaginations to create fun and beautiful Easter eggs. Whether you use boiled or blown-out eggs or create fun Easter egg creatures or lovely works of art, your child will love working with you to make wonderful Easter eggs he can be proud of.
4. Make Yummy Easter Cookies
Another way to unleash your child’s inner artist is by using sugar cookies as a palette to make beautiful Easter eggs, bunnies, spring flowers, and more. All you need are some sugar cookies in Easter shapes, pastel icing, and some imagination!
5. Create a Beautiful Garden with Your Children
One great idea for spring break activities to do with your kids is to plant a garden. Grade-schoolers love digging in dirt, and they love the sense of accomplishment and pride that can come from creating something with their hard work. So find some growing space in your back yard or a planter and give your kid a spade. Let him get to work helping you plant flowers and veggies. Gardening can be a great opportunity for you and your child to spend some time together. Your child will take pride in his green thumb as he watches his garden grow. When it’s harvest time, you can make a salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies grown in your own garden!
6. Take a Family Trip
If you’re planning to get out of dodge during spring vacation, check out these tips and ideas for how to have a great family trip. Whether you’re planning to drive to a nearby town or jet off to another state or country, do a little research to find essential tips on finding family-friendly destinations and must-have travel games and other distractions to keep kids occupied during the trip.
Adapted from Katherine Lee, About.com
Here are some great ideas for family fun and activities during spring break!
Spring vacation is a great time for families to recharge, get ready for the home stretch of the school year, and have some fun with activities. Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home during spring break or take a fun family trip, here are some great ideas for spring break activities to do with your kids.
1. Have Fun with Spring Crafts
There’s something about springtime that inspires one to create fun and colorful creations out of spring crafts ideas. (Maybe it’s all that renewal and rebirth going on around us that stokes the creative soul.) These spring crafts for kids are perfect for when you’re enjoying some downtime during spring vacation. Check out these spring crafts ideas for inspiration and instructions.
2. Have a Fun Family Picnic
What better way to spend a beautiful warm day outside than to go on a fun family picnic? Just pack up a basket with yummy and healthy picnic food and tote along some fun games and toys. Your family is sure to have a terrific, relaxing and joyful day together. The best part: Your kids will be so exhausted at the end of the fun day that they’ll probably go to bed without much ado!
3. Decorate Easter Eggs
One of the most fun things about Easter is decorating Easter eggs. Grade-schoolers can really get creative coming up with designs and using their imaginations to create fun and beautiful Easter eggs. Whether you use boiled or blown-out eggs or create fun Easter egg creatures or lovely works of art, your child will love working with you to make wonderful Easter eggs he can be proud of.
4. Make Yummy Easter Cookies
Another way to unleash your child’s inner artist is by using sugar cookies as a palette to make beautiful Easter eggs, bunnies, spring flowers, and more. All you need are some sugar cookies in Easter shapes, pastel icing, and some imagination!
5. Create a Beautiful Garden with Your Children
One great idea for spring break activities to do with your kids is to plant a garden. Grade-schoolers love digging in dirt, and they love the sense of accomplishment and pride that can come from creating something with their hard work. So find some growing space in your back yard or a planter and give your kid a spade. Let him get to work helping you plant flowers and veggies. Gardening can be a great opportunity for you and your child to spend some time together. Your child will take pride in his green thumb as he watches his garden grow. When it’s harvest time, you can make a salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies grown in your own garden!
6. Take a Family Trip
If you’re planning to get out of dodge during spring vacation, check out these tips and ideas for how to have a great family trip. Whether you’re planning to drive to a nearby town or jet off to another state or country, do a little research to find essential tips on finding family-friendly destinations and must-have travel games and other distractions to keep kids occupied during the trip.
Adapted from Katherine Lee, About.com
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