Did you know that we have a new reading program at the OJCS this year? The kids in SK have begun to explore Amplify Reading (or Boost as they know it) over the last month and we thought we’d share some important information (thanks Mrs. Reichstein and Mrs. Thompson!) about how we are using it at school and how you can use it at home as well…
What is Amplify Reading?
Amplify is the new reading platform (the umbrella company) that the OJCS purchased licences for this year to use as a pilot project to enhance our current reading programs. We bought three programs for our school through Amplify, each explained below.
1. mClass – DIBELS 8 Assessment
2. Boost Reading
3. Boost Close Reading
Why did we choose Amplify?
It is the platform that most closely aligns with the evidence-based body of research referred to as the ‘Science of Reading’. The Science of Reading research shows the need for students to have word recognition skills (such as phonemic awareness, decoding skills through phonics, and reading fluency) and language comprehension (including knowledge of vocabulary, morphology, and syntax) in order to read and comprehend text.
1. mClass is the system that allows us to run the DIBELS 8 Assessment with all of our students in Grades K-3.
What is DIBELS?
DIBELS ® (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of literacy skills. They are designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures that can be used to regularly detect risk and monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills. In SK, the DIBELS 8 assesses different skills such as, Phonemic Awareness, Sound Isolation, Decoding, and Word Reading. These results help us identify who is below, at, or above grade level in each skill and then target instruction (i.e. with small groups, resource support, etc.) accordingly. This is an assessment that is completed in class with the teacher and it should also be noted that the DIBELS assessments are all timed tasks.
2. Boost Reading is the reading program licence we purchased for our students K-5. Boost Reading is a literacy acceleration and remediation program that uses adaptive technology to deliver personalized learning instruction for K–5 students. The engaging world of Boost Reading adapts to each unique reader. Boost Reading was authored with experts in literacy, cognitive science, learning, and instruction. It builds on well-established principles of effective instructional design and delivery, as well as new and cutting-edge research on how students learn to read.
Can my child use this program at home?
Yes, please!!! We will be sending a handout with your child’s log-in information (in your child’s Note Tote) home today!! Get your child set up to use Boost Reading at home by making sure they have a set of headphones and a quiet place to play. Boost Reading is personalized to your child’s needs, so you don’t need to and you should NOT assist them with their learning. Once they log in, they’re ready to start using the program. Some students will begin with a placement activity that helps the program match them to the best content. To ensure the most accurate placement, it’s important that students complete each activity independently. It’s always helpful to encourage your student/child to have fun and do their best!
3. Boost Close Reading is the reading program licence we purchased for our students in Grades 6-8. You will receive more information about this as your child approaches those grades.
What will I see as a parent on report cards?
For K-5 students, on the report card, teachers will share how a student is performing in various strands related to reading, including letter names and sounds, decoding and fluency. With data from the DIBELS assessment, the report cards will indicate whether the student is performing above grade, at grade or below grade level in each specific skill assessed. They will also share next steps to target skills that are still developing.
Any questions?? Please feel free to reach out to Morah Andréa. Perhaps you can take some time over the winter break to try this out at home!!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
Fridays (from now until early March) – 2:00 pm Dismissal
Friday, Dec. 22 – Dress Down PJ Day – all are encouraged to bring a favourite stuffy to Show & Share with their friends
Monday, Dec. 25-Friday, Jan. 5 – WINTER BREAK!!
Monday, Jan. 8 – School Resumes
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This app is available for purchase on the App store ($6.99), and you can also download a desktop version that is free, though there may be some differences in the program. We used this app in class and the kids absolutely love it!! It covers everything from letters and their sounds to reading full sentences and short stories.
This app is designed for iPads and is available for free on the App store, though there are additions available for purchase. It combines fluency, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension practice with entertaining, engaging graphics in a fun learning format.
This app is designed for iPads or iPhones and is available for free in the App store. It helps to hone your child’s spelling skills through a variety of games that feature over 900 words.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 
