In the beginning of the school year I made each student a speech and language
folder. On the outside you will see their scheduled speech and language time.
Inside you may find papers related to what we are working on in speech and
language class. All of the students have a vocabulary goal. I focus on
functional words that are important to know but may not be explicitly taught
in a classroom setting. Each month your child will be taught 10 English words
that they are not familiar with. They may know the sign but are unable to
recognize these words at the beginning of the month. Please help them
practice spelling the words and labeling items around your house. If your
child finds one of their new or previously taught words in a book, newspaper,
cereal box etc please have them bring it to school to show their friends (they
will earn a point for each vocabulary word they find.) They can also earn
points by studying (independently or with an adult). If you “catch” your
child practicing their new words or study with them, please sign the signature
page and your child will earn an additional point each time you sign. When
your child earns 30 points they will receive a "Gina Dollar" that can be used
in the WPSD Snack Bar or saved for the WPSD Paw Shop at the end of the school
year. Please leave old vocabulary papers in the folder so that they can
practice and remember all of the words that they are taught throughout the
school year. The students are encouraged to leave their folders in the
backpacks. This way they will always have them at home to study and always
have them in school ready to use in speech and language class. Some of the
students are also learning 10 idioms each month. They really enjoy learning
these "silly" phrases and are encouraged to use them in their everyday
conversation.
Additionally, my teacher page contains useful links to fun websites that
promote speech, language and auditory development and a question and answer
page posts several ideas for activities and games that support speech and
language...you may be working on their goals without even knowing it!
Thank you for your continued support at home.