Hats off to PS 142 in NYC for taking an innovative approach to reading instruction: building background knoweledge through city field trips to the parking meter and parking garage. This investment promises to pay huge dividends in the future!
OMG--is this for real? Save the picture book. I can't believe the mom from San Antonio. Does she really wonder why her six year old is "reluctant?" This is mind boggling. What is our test culture doing to reading?
That article was very upsetting! Last year in third grade, I had a parent who saw that their child's book box contained both chapter books and picture books. She was appalled by the picture books and told her child she needed to put them back. Parents need to be more educated on the amazing benefits of pictures, such as the vocabulary, mental images, etc. It is absolutely absurd for a 5 year to be reading chapter books!! Give them something to build up to. Is this all from the testing? Very sad if it is...