READING-
Reading is a very complex process that requires the integration of meaning,
syntax and grapho-phonemic information.
In order to read, children need to think about what makes sense, what sounds
right in our language, and what word looks right for the word printed on the
page. Many parents often focus on just the grapho-phonemic part of the
reading process. Although children do need to know basic sight words and how
letters and groups of letters relate to sounds in words, reading involves a
lot more than just "sounding out the words." This is why your child has no
problem reading some words in context that they cannot read in isolation.
The first books we use are often very simple with a repetitive pattern that
the children easily memorize. When these books come home, sometimes the
children will go through them quickly and just say the words from memory
without looking at the words. If this happens, please direct your child to
look at the words as they read them. Tell them that reading means that you
have to look at the words as you say them. Please do not cover up the
pictures! Comprehension is the purpose of reading and at this point in your
child's education, the pictures are providing much needed support. A better
option would be to have the child look at the picture and then cover it as
they read the text. Tell them that they need to "hold the picture in their
head" as they read. This will help to build the comprehension they need,
rather than give them the idea that reading involves just calling out
isolated words. Before too long, the pictures will be much less supportive
and your child will have to focus more on the text. The text will be too
complex to memorize and they will be ready for it.
MATH-
Sometimes I will send home math practice for my math groups. This homework
is optional and should provide extra practice. I often offer students a
sticker for returning their math homework. If it is difficult for them,
please let me know.
If your child is struggling with math homework, it can be helpful to provide
manipulatives or other tools to help them. A ruler or measuring tape can
work as a number line if they need to see numbers in order. This also helps
if they are reversing their numbers when writing them. Small items such as
beans, buttons, pieces of cereal, etc. can be used when they need to count to
support addition or subtraction. If they are working with numbers greater
than 10, you can have them glue 10 small beans on popcorn kernals on popsicle
sticks to make sets of 10.
Have your child use time and money in your everyday life. Have them pay for
something with coins at the store. Most clerks are patient with young
children. It really helps for children to have multiple opportunities to
read time on analog, not just digital, clocks.