Welcome to the Reading Resource web page. My name is Maureen Casey and this is my 15 year at St. Augustin School. I have been the Reading Resource teacher for nine years and prior to that I was a Kindergarten teacher. My husband Jim and I live in Johnston. We have two daughters; Kayla is 24 and is a Law student at the University of Iowa, Micah is 21 and will be a senior at Regis University in Denver.

Teaching at St. Augustin School is a privilege, as well as a tremendous responsibility. I strive for my classroom to be a place where children feel valued, respected and safe. Safe to share thoughts and ideas, to explore, create and take risks. Each child comes with unique personality, learning style and special gifts to share. One of my roles is to find ways for each child to be successful, to be challenged but not overwhelmed, and to grow socially, emotionally and academically. My goal is that each child develops a sense of belonging and a feeling of confidence. When students leave my classroom I hope they go with the feeling that reading is fun, that reading is important, and that my “Reading Room” is a good place to be.

In order for children to enjoy reading and make it a significant part of their lives, they must be motivated to explore new books and stories, We know that children who are motivated to read are children who will want to read. One way that children become motivated to read is when they are provided with opportunities to become more involved in the reading process. When children feel that they are a part of the action or can relate the action to their own personal experiences, they will develop a positive attitude toward their own reading development. Try these motivators at home:

*Help your child set up his/her own home library system. Make signs for book categories (i.e. scary, action, poetry, etc.)

*Make reviews of some of his/her books. Write these on index cards and keep them in a file box.

*Take photos of your child reading and hang them around the house.

*Leave notes around the house. These can be positive messages or reminders about activities.

*When you child receives a new game have him/her read and explain the directions.

*Cut unknown words from the newspaper. Learn the meaning of the words and use the words during the week.

Most important, if possible, read to and with your child every day. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading, in the classroom.

 

Please feel free to call or e-mail me with ANY questions or concerns!

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Maureen Casey