Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National
Poetry Month takes place every April. It is a time to celebrate poetry and
its vital place in American classrooms and culture. Students in ELA/Reading
at FJHS will celebrate this important month with special activities. Ask
your students about it.
Educational researchers have found that there is a strong correlation
between reading and academic success. In other words, a student who is a
good reader is more likely to do well in school and pass exams than a
student who is a weak reader or a student who does not like to read. So, if
you want your child to be successful, encourage him/her to read. Age
appropriate books can be found in the school's library or the public library.
Below are some of the ways that parents can help their children succeed:
1. Read to your child; have your child read to you.
2. Talk, sing, and play with your child.
3. Have your child write ina "journal."
4. Add new and interesting books to your home library. If you do not have
a home library, start one immediately.
5. Ask your child to read recipe directions to prepare a meal.
6. Take your child grocery shopping, and have him/her "estimate" the cost
of purchases.
7. Use flash cards to help your child practice math.
8. Discuss the word "team" with your child and relate it to the family.
9. Show your child (on maps) places the family has visited or will visit.
Reading Aloud builds pathways in your child's brain that stimulate
imagination, foster creativity, create special memories, boost self-estem,
and develop a love of books and reading.
10. Discuss different kinds of jobs and careers in the community.
11. Visit, as a family, museums, zoos, and art exhibits.
12. Listen to music together.
13. Walk, hike, or bike together, to the library or to other places of
interest.
14. Have clay, crayons, paint, paintbrushes, blocks, puzzles, and paper
available at home for your child.
15. Encourage your child to join an organized activity (baseball,
cherleading, basketball, etc.)
16. Help your child identify and set fitness goals.
17. Insist that your child participate in Physical Education activities at
school.
18. Check out your community's after-school activities and get your child
involved.
19. Teach your child the difference between foods that are healthy for
him/her and those that are not.
