Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- How can I help my child become a better reader?
- How can I be involved in the classroom?
- Why are there spelling words from weeks ago on this Friday's spelling test?
- What are
- Why do I need to sign my child's homework?
How can I help my child become a better reader?
Read, read, read. Read with your child everyday. Show your
child that
you have an interest in reading. Make reading materials
available...books
are not the only things to read. Do your children see you
reading
magazines, the newspaper, cereal boxes or articles online? If
your children
see reading happening in their home they will be more likely to
develop
their own interest in reading.
To help your child develop their reading skills practice our
reading
flashcards every night. Use the online ebooks to review what we
are reading in the classroom.
Never underestimate the importance of reading aloud to your
child.
Even as they become better readers, continue to read aloud so
that they can
hear and develop vocabulary and fluency. In the words of author
Rosemary
Wells, "Reading together for 20 minutes a day is the most
important gift you
can give your child."
How can I be involved in the classroom?
Well I'm so glad you asked!! I am looking for volunteers to run
centers in
our classroom two days a week. Also, keep an eye out at Back to
School
Night and on Conference night/day for a Mystery Reader sign-up
sheet.
Why are there spelling words from weeks ago on this Friday's spelling test?
Spelling is 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.
What are
Rainbow Words is an activity to help children retain spelling
words through
repitition. The children choose 5 crayons and trace each
spelling word 5
times. When they are done the word looks like a rainbow! Here's
the
trick...if the spelling word is "cat" they write the
WHOLE WORD in red, then
the WHOLE WORD in blue, then the WHOLE WORD in green and so
on...NOT the
letter "c" 5 times then the letter "a" five
times... We will be doing this
in the classroom before it is sent home for homework so that the
children
understand how it is done.
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 their school work.
