- What does my child need to bring to school each day?
- What do you consider a healthy snack?
- Why do you ask for water bottles?
- What is the best way to contact the teacher with a question or concern?
- Should I help my child with his/her homework?
- How do I help my child become a better reader?
What does my child need to bring to school each day?
Every day, your child should come to school with the following
items: completed homework, lunch or lunch money/tokens, a
healthy snack, water, and any notes or paperwork that you send in.
What do you consider a healthy snack?
Healthy snacks include fresh fruit or vegetables, half a
sandwich, pretzles, popcorn, cheese and crackers, etc. This is
not a complete list, but rather just a few examples.
Unhealthy snacks include candy, cookies, chips, brownies, etc.
This list is also incomplete.
Why do you ask for water bottles?
Research has shown that being hydrated increases brain
function. Unfortunately, our classroom does not have a water
fountain in it. That is a main difference between our first
grade and second grade classrooms here at Irwin School. In order
to keep us hydrated without having a hallway parade, I ask that
each child bring in a water bottle. If they finish the water
during the day, I will encourage them to refill it at the water
fountain.
What is the best way to contact the teacher with a question or concern?
The best way to get in touch with me is through e-mail
(mfodor@ebnet.org). You can also send a note with your child or
leave a message at the office. I check my email very frequently
so an email would most likely be the quickest way for me to
respond.
Should I help my child with his/her homework?
Your child should attempt the homework on his/her own at first.
If he/she still has questions, then you should assist by
explaining the directions in different words (Clarify). Make sure
you review your child's work each night.
How do I help my child become a better reader?
1. Make sure that your child reads independently every day. It
is also a good idea for your child to read to you, and for you to
read to your child.
2. Always check to see if your child has a JUST RIGHT book--it
should not be too easy or too hard.
3. After your child reads, occasionally ask him/her to tell you
about what they read. You can have your child tell you about any
tricky parts or words in the book. Help them clarify (figure
out) those parts.
4. Ask your child to list some character traits that the
characters in the book exemplify. Have them give examples of why
they chose those character traits.
5. It is also very important to have your child try to figure
out meanings of unknown words by clues given in the sentence. A
richer vocabulary results in better reading comprehension.
6. When your child reads aloud to you, make sure they are
reading smoothly as though they are talking.
7. Show your child that reading is important and valuable to you
by having them see you read, taking them to the library or book
stores, and ordering books from the book club we use at school.