Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What are the phonics library book and raffles?
- Should my child still be mispelling words?
- What if my child has a change of plan going home?
- If my child is absent will homework be sent home?
- What is Dyslexia?
- What are the attributes of first graders?
- What is Readers' Theatre?
- What is ADHD?
What are the phonics library book and raffles?
The phonics library books are the small black and white booklets
your child brings home in his/her folder. There are usually 3
sent home each week. They should be read aloud by your child to a
family member. The raffle tickets are sent home on one sheet of
paper at the beginning of the theme there is one for each booklet
sent home. Once your child has read the book fill out a raffle
and return it the next day. There is a weekly prize drawing each
Friday. NOTE: The raffle tickets are not homework. The
raffle is meant to be a fun way to encourage your child to read
at home.
Should my child still be mispelling words?
Children at this age are encouraged to use invented spelling when
completing writing assigments. Invented spelling shows that your
child is learning essential phonics and decoding skills.
What if my child has a change of plan going home?
A note must always be sent in if your child has any change in
plans going home.
If my child is absent will homework be sent home?
I will make every attempt to send home the missed work with the
child listed on the homework buddy form you filled out at the
beginning of the year.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia: A Quick Look
Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities
Topics: Dyslexia Diagnosis, Dyslexia, Dyslexia Facts
What you should know about dyslexia:
Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that causes difficulty
with reading, writing and spelling.
Dyslexia is NOT a sign of poor intelligence or laziness. It is
also not the result of impaired vision.
Dyslexia can affect different people differently - some can have
difficulty with reading and spelling, while others might find
using words correctly and writing or telling left from right
challenging.
Signs of dyslexia at different ages:
Young Children:
*Difficulty recognizing letters, matching letters to sounds and
blending sounds into speech.
*Confusion when pronouncing words, i.e. "mawn lower"
instead of "lawn mower"
*Slow to learn and use new vocabulary words correctly
*Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, days of the week or
similar common word sequences
*Difficulty with rhyming
School Age Children:
-Difficulty mastering the rules of spelling
-Trouble remembering facts and numbers
-Poor handwriting, awkward pencil grip
-Slow to learn and understand new skills - relies heavily on
memorization
-Frequent reading and spelling errors such as reversing letters
(d,b) or moving letters around (left, felt)
-Difficulty following a sequence of directions
-Trouble with word problems in math
-Reading below expected level
What are the attributes of first graders?
Attributes of First Graders
The average six-year-old is extremely egocentric and wants to be
the center of attention.
He/She:
-Wants to be the "best" and "first."
-Has boundless energy.
-May be oppositional, silly, brash, and critical.
-Cries easily; shows a variety of tension-releasing behavior.
-Is attached to the teacher.
-Has difficulty being flexible.
-Often considers fantasy real.
Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association
What is Readers' Theatre?
Our class will have several readers theatre projects throughout
the year.
Readers Theater is the dramatic presentation of written work in
script form. Props are not required. Presentations can easily be
done in a classroom. Scripts are held by the readers. Lines are
not memorized. The focus is on reading the text with expressive
voices and gestures. Kids love it and so do I!
What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a
group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who
have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at
work. They may be much more active and/or impulsive than what is
usual for their age.
These behaviors contribute to significant problems in
relationships,learning and behavior. For this reason, children
who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as
having behavior problems.
ADHD is common, affecting 4% to 12% of school-age children. It's
more common in boys than in girls. You may be more familiar with
the term attention deficit disorder (ADD). This disorder was
renamed in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the
following symptoms:
-Has difficulty following instructions
-Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at
school and at home.
-Loses things needed for activities at school and at home.
-Appears not to listen.
-Doesn't pay close attention to details.
-Seems disorganized.
-Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead.
-Forgets things.
-Is easily distracted.
The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at
least 6 of the following symptoms:
-Fidgety.
-Runs or climbs inappropriately.
-Can't play quietly.
-Blurts out answers.
-Interrupts people.
-Can't stay in seat.
-Talks too much.
-Is always on the go.
-Has trouble waiting his or her turn.
What should I do if I think my child has ADHD?
Talk with your child's doctor. The primary symptoms of ADHD are
hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Hyperactive children always seem to be in motion. A child who is
hyperactive may move around touching or playing with whatever is
around, or talk continually. During story time or school lessons,
the child might squirm around, fidget, or get up and move around
the room. Some children wiggle their feet or tap their fingers. A
teenager or adult who is hyperactive may feel restless and need
to stay busy all the time. Impulsive children often blurt out
comments without thinking first. They may often display their
emotions without restraint. They may also fail to
consider the consequences of their actions. Such children may
find it hard to wait in line or take turns. Impulsive teenagers
and adults tend to make choices that have a small immediate
payoff rather than working toward larger delayed rewards.
Inattentive children may quickly get bored with an activity if
it's not something they really enjoy. Organizing and completing a
task or learning something new is difficult for them. As
students, they often forget to write down a school assignment or
bring a book home. Completing homework can be huge challenge. At
any age, an inattentive person may often be easily distracted,
make careless mistakes, forget things, have trouble following
instructions, or skip from one activity to another without
finishing anything.
Some children with ADHD are mainly inattentive. They seldom act
hyperactive or impulsive. An inattentive child with ADHD may sit
quietly in class and appear to be working but is not really
focusing on the assignment.
