SRI-ing

For all classes in grades 2 through 6, this week is the first round of the SRI (Scholastic Reading Inventory), which is taken during library class time.  This online reading assessment gives students and teachers a Lexile score at the end, which is used to help find books that are a good fit for comprehension activities, particularly in the classroom.  Some teachers use the Lexile to help place students into small group novel studies with students at similar Lexile levels, particularly if the novel is in a subject area such as social studies, where comprehension of key points is essential to learning.

Students are taught that their Lexile gives them a range, it is not a specific number at which they must read.  The library is not labeled with Lexile numbers for books, though it may be eventually.  Student choice is still the main focus of library checkout, understanding that having choices is highly motivating to students.

Kindergarten and 1st grade classes will be hearing back to school stories, some set in the library, some not.  "Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?" is a hilarious story of a buffalo who goes to school with his owner, but has some difficulties fitting in.  He can't use the scissors, his hooves are too big.  He wants to eat grass for lunch, and he's not very good at playing hide and seek.  However, it turns out that he can fit in, even if he is a little bit different.

We also will read "Walter's Magic Wand," where Walter uses his imagination and his wand to make the books at the library come true.   Afterwards he thinks he made up the pirates, and the ocean and the librarian saving everyone by building an ark out of bookshelves, but then the librarian gives him a wink and he's not quite so sure what's real any more.

A mix of getting important testing done, reading stories, and making sure everyone gets to check out the books they want to read, a great week is ahead!