Excitement for the New School Year
國際處主任 賴國宜
Welcome back to school! We are glad to announce the new reading program, Hooked on Books, which involves two online resources, Star Reading and Accelerated Reader. It allows teachers to monitor students' progress and encourage them to read more suitably challenging books. The main goal of the program is to promote independent reading for pleasure and improve the students' reading competency.
Animal Wisdom and Be a Science Wizard are newly designed columns. We hope the interesting animal stories and the easy science experiments can create more enjoyable moments for parents and their children to learn and have fun together.
Positive parent-teacher communication has a great impact on student learning. We look forward to meeting all parents at the parent-teacher conference on September 19.
經過了一個史上最短的暑假，嶄新的學年又開始囉！暑假期間安靜的校園，又再度充滿熱情師生的笑語。本期的封面報導由國際處外師課研組長為您說明新學期實施的「深耕悅讀」課程（Hooked on Books），透過Star Reading和Accelerated Reader數位平台科技，老師可以更容易掌握學生的英文閱讀表現，推薦學生適性的閱讀書單，並結合教學，在班上進行個人、小組或班級讀書計畫。誠如此課程的英文名稱Hooked on Books，我們希望藉著多元的英文閱讀資源，「勾引孩子們自願上鉤」，培養他們熱愛閱讀的習慣，進而提升閱讀素養。
新學期的Kang Chiao Spotlight增添兩個新單元，國際處副主任Mr. Claassen會在Animal Wisdom的專欄分享一則趣味的動物故事，並引導孩子們思索其中的寓意。Be a Science Wizard則提供一項簡易的科學實驗，教導孩子利用生活中隨手可得的材料，動手做實驗並認識簡單的科學原理。推薦您和孩子一起閱讀英文故事，或玩科學遊戲，既可增進親子關係，也能讓英文學習自然而然的走進生活。
緊密的親師溝通與合作，有助於孩子們正向的學習和穩定的成長，誠摯邀請家長們參加9月19日舉行的班親會，也祝福所有的康橋學子們，新學期都能愉快學習，快樂成長。
~ Zachary Warmke
Curriculum Coordinator, International Department
This year, we are thrilled to implement a new program at KCIS. We call it Hooked on Books, and it’s going to be an effective and fun way for students to improve their reading comprehension. It involves software that was developed in the US and is used in schools around the world. Not only will it promote more independent reading, but it will also make students more excited about reading.
Finding “Just Right” Books
At the beginning of the school year, all KCIS students will take a short test on a computer called the Star Reading test. Star Reading is not like any other test. It will present slightly different questions to every student. The system will adjust the test to each student’s English reading level.
After the test, students will not receive a score like on a normal test. Instead, they will get a range of Lexile numbers. These numbers can be used to find library books that are perfect for each student. Each student’s Lexile range shows which books will be perfect to challenge them without being too easy or too hard.
Let’s Go to the Library!
The best part of Hooked on Books is the number of options it gives students. They can read library books, books from home, and even e-books, such as the ones on myON. They will visit the school library to find something to read. The Lexile numbers will help them find a book suited to their age and reading level. The best part for the students is that they can choose to read about any subject they like!
Foreign English teachers will set aside reading practice time during class, so students will bring their library books with them. While they read, teachers will help them keep track of their progress. Of course, students can also read whenever they have free time.
Get AR Points to Level Up
After students finish reading a book, their English teacher will help them use the online system, Accelerated Reader, to take a short quiz. If they pass, they earn AR points. AR points show how much progress students have made. The system automatically tracks each student’s Lexile numbers. When they pass tests, their Lexile numbers increase.
Students will try to earn as many points as they can and watch their level increase. Teachers will award them with a TOPS report to take home. A TOPS report is like a trophy for finishing a book. Students will love getting tons of points and TOPS reports while they improve their reading ability.
We are excited to use Hooked on Books to help students improve their reading level. We are happy that students will be able to choose the topics they are most interested in. We know that when students enjoy a subject, they learn and remember more.
If you would like to help your child at home, getting involved is easy. Ask your child about the books they have been reading. Encourage them to read before bed or to visit the library to find new material. Keep your son or daughter’s TOPS reports and praise them for their success. Let’s build a supportive learning community together!
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