This page will answer questions commonly asked by parents. It contains
ideas about various ways to help your child succeed now and in the future.
- How many children are in my child's class?
- Why do I need to sign my child's homework?
- What do I do if I see errors on my child's homework?
- How do I know when my child is taking a test?
- Why are there words from weeks ago on this week's spelling test?
- My child is struggling with reading. What can I do to help?
- What types of literature are in the first grade reading curriculum?
- We speak another language at home. What can I do to help my child with English?
- What kind of treats may I send to school to celebrate my child's birthday?
- How do I invite children to my child's birthday party?
- What can I do to help my child succeed in school?
How many children are in my child's class?
We currently have 22 students in our class. There are 11 boys and 11 girls!
Why do I need to sign my child's homework?
By signing your child's homework you are letting me know that you
have checked your child's homework and reviewed the material
together. It also allows me to see who is assisting your child at
home with his/her school work.
What do I do if I see errors on my child's homework?
If you see an incorrect answer, point it out. It is more effective
to fix the errors immediately, as opposed to waiting to have
me correct it the following day. If there is a persistent problem,
please let me know and I will address it with your child.
How do I know when my child is taking a test?
Reading, spelling and grammar tests are given every Friday. Math
tests take place the day after the chapter review page is completed
for homework. You will receive a letter with a study packet for
all science and social studies tests.
Why are there words from weeks ago on this week's spelling test?
Spelling tests are cummulative. I do not want the students to
learn to spell so that they can pass a test. I want them to learn
word structure and phonemic awareness so that spelling carries
over into writing and word recognition.
Spelling is a necessary life skill...it is not for passing a test.
My child is struggling with reading. What can I do to help?
Learning to read takes a lot of practice and reinforcement.
Practicing daily is the key to success!
Practice the word lists in your child's reading notebook. Also,
practice reading the stories in the notebook with your child.
Use the flash cards sent home weekly to have your child write
sentences. There are also PowerPoint presentations on my
website you can use to reinforce the reading vocabulary words
and robust vocabulary words. Try using some of the excellent
reading links I've included on my website to reinforce your
child's reading skills.
You can also take turns reading with your child. You can read
a page and then ask your child questions about it. For example:
Why do you think the girl helped her friend? How does her friend
feel? What would you do? What does this story remind you of?
Then have your child read a page and ask the same types
of questions. In additon, having your child HEAR you read is as
important as he/she reading by him/herself. This will help him/her
with reading fluency as well as comprehension.
What types of literature are in the first grade reading curriculum?
The students will become familiar with the following literary
genres:
1. Poetry - usually has a beat or rhythm, like a song
2. Nonfiction - gives facts and information about real things
3. Fiction - stories that did not really happen
4. Realistic Fiction - made up stories about something that
could happen in real life
5. Fantasy - a make-believe story about something that could
never happen
6. Fable - a make-believe story that teaches a lesson about
life (moral)
7. Folktale - a very old story told over and over again that
helps children learn something important about how to live
8. Fairy Tale - an old story with something magical and a
happy ending
9. Mystery - the characters act as detectives and look for
clues that help them solve a problem or puzzle
10. Play - a story that is written to be acted out
We speak another language at home. What can I do to help my child with English?
Your child is very fortunate to be able to communicate in more than
one language. However, remember, English is what is being taught
in school. Make English your first spoken language at home until
your child has mastered it. Your child needs to practice speaking,
reading and writing in English.
What kind of treats may I send to school to celebrate my child's birthday?
The school policy is that children are not allowed to bring in
any type of food or candy to hand out in class for their birthday.
In the past, some parents have donated a special book or
educational game to the class in their child's name. You may
send in things such as pencils or erasers if you choose to.
How do I invite children to my child's birthday party?
The school policy is that invitations should not be sent to school
for distribution. Children tend to get upset if they see some of
the children getting invited and they do not. However, if your
child is inviting the whole class to the party, they may hand out
the invitations in class. If only a few invitations are being dis-
tributed, then I will address and mail the invitations for you.
Please write the children's first and last names on the invitations
and include the stamps. Place the invitations in an envelope
addressed to me and send them to school with your child.
What can I do to help my child succeed in school?
1. Read, Read, READ! Then, when you're done, read some more.
Read aloud to your child. Have your child read to you. Read
stories, magazines, and the comics. Have your child read every
day. The more your child reads the more successful he/she will
be in school!
2. Teach your child organization skills. It can be as simple as
organizing his/her room. Preparing and using good planning
skills will help him/her better manage time in later years and
encourage responsibility.
3. Help your child develop good homework habits by encouraging
them to start homework at the same time each day. By scheduling
this time, you will not only help your child get their work done,
but you can also ensure that homework is done at a time when you
are available to help if needed.
4. You can help motivate your child, but don't pressure them too
much! Children are amazing individuals, each with his/her own
unique gift and talent.
5. Have your child eat a well-balanced breakfast! Give him/her
a fresh start each morning with breakfast!
6. Stimulate your child's mind by playing problem-solving
games!
7. Communicate with your child's teacher when you have a
concern or problem.
8. Get involved in your child's education by joining the PTO
and participating in school projects.
9. Stop, talk, and listen to your child. Most everything that
your child thinks, feels, and believes about the world primarily
comes from the members of his/her family.
10. Buy a computer and pay for Internet access. Learn yourself
or take time to teach your child fundamental skills in computer
technology.
11. Remember that "Children learn what they LIVE". Children
learn what is modeled and taught. As you want or expect your
child to be, try to live as consistently with these principles
in your own life.
12. Encourage and provide extra-curricular activities. Whether
it's sports, dance, music, clubs, or other neighborhood
activities, these activities can teach pride, teamwork, and
leadership. Some may also provide fun exercise for your child!
