New Updates: 5/25/12
1. Report Cards and Copy of Student Data Form coming home today, along with the rest of your child's stuff..... including some soggy swimsuits and towels.
2. Thanks for all the kind, encouraging words and the many gifts of appreciation throughout the year. This year was a fantastic year thanks to your support in and out of the classroom. I am truly grateful to be able to teach such amazing kids and to work here at Fern Bluff. Have a wonderful summer and enjoy the time spent with family.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tidwell
Chapter Book Reading Log: (*currently reading)
|
IN CLASS for Students |
|
Herbie Sails Into Second Grade by Suzy Kline
Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
Wildfire by Elizabeth Hill
The Stories That Julian Tells by Ann Cameron
SOS Files by Betsy Byers
The Magician's Boy by Susan Cooper
Sideway Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
*Stories from Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul by Canfield, Hansen, and Dunlap
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (students lost interest)
Holes by Louis Sachar
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
|
An interesting article about the effects/impact of parents reading to their children.
www.nytimes.how-about-better-parents.com*****************************************************************************
What can parents do to help their child at home: 1. Have a discussion about what they did in school before asking them about homework.
(try to refrain from asking "how was your day" and instead "What did you learn today in school?)
close-ending (yes or no answers) vs. open-ending questions (a discussion)
2. Look through previous work and reinforce concepts that your child seems to have trouble with.
3. Read with your child (either share a book or read while they are reading.) This will show your child that you think reading is important and worthwhile and will more likely do it without resistance.
Seeing is Believing.
4. Practice spelling with your child if they need it.
5. Encourage your child to ask questions about things, think about it, and look for answers themselves.
6. Continue to practice math facts using flash cards. Speed drills during commercials are always fun.
*****************************************************************************
I came across these wonderful articles about understanding grades and helping your child in school.
extreme-parenting.docUnderstanding Grades and GradingThe Pressures of being a Straight A studentFinding Balance for Busy FamiliesExtra-Curricular Activites- Do they enhance my child's chances of College Admission?Top 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School
http://aboutdiscipline.com/ (this comes from the author ,Marvin Marshall, who wrote the book "Discipline Without Stress" that I have modeled my classroom management after. Great article about the problems with rewards and punishments. Also has some ideas to use with your kids at home. Worth checking out.