During the March break I had the opportunity to attend a
workshop for teachers that provided ideas, resources and lectures about the
importance of communicating with parents to excel student learning. In all of
the primary classes I spend time in, it is usually evident which parents spend
time working with their children and which do not. I believe some parents
simply just don’t know what to do, which is why I want to share this piece of
information I took from this workshop.
Literacy is a huge focus at all school boards. One of which I am deeply involved in during my time in all of the classrooms I volunteer in. This was a printable we were handed out and one that would be so easy to send home with parents in student agendas that needs little explanation:
For the Grade 1 class I spend time in, I put together a
short explanation to send home with this print out to parents so they have an
even better idea of how they can help their children reach new reading goals.
Here is a couple points from my note:
1. Read out loud to your child daily: read books yes, but also read out loud street signs, labels in the grocery store, episode names on tv shows; words you both see around you in daily life
2. Rhyme: read poems and books that rhyme: Dr. Suess books are a great start. Make games out of finding words that rhyme (many of which can be downloaded free as Apps on smart phones and tablets). Make up silly nonsense words that rhyme with your child’s name – this can even be done with friend’s names on the way to school!
3. Ask questions: when you read stories talk about what you read; make predictions come up with alternative endings; what do you think will happen next? What does the picture tell you may happen? Did this character make a good choice? Would you do the same thing or something different? What was your favourite part of the story? Etc. the list is endless once you start!
4. Have books in your home: use the library resources available at your local library, here at Davis, or from family and friends. I have also gotten plenty at local thrift stores for $0.25-$1.50 in great shape for children in my life. Don’t be afraid to check them out.
We are really hoping we will see change in our students reading habits now that this has been sent home as a resource for parents. It is not only teachers that can help a student achieve new goals; it is also having an open curriculum awareness with parents and care givers to communicate these visions for success of their loved ones.
1. Read out loud to your child daily: read books yes, but also read out loud street signs, labels in the grocery store, episode names on tv shows; words you both see around you in daily life
2. Rhyme: read poems and books that rhyme: Dr. Suess books are a great start. Make games out of finding words that rhyme (many of which can be downloaded free as Apps on smart phones and tablets). Make up silly nonsense words that rhyme with your child’s name – this can even be done with friend’s names on the way to school!
3. Ask questions: when you read stories talk about what you read; make predictions come up with alternative endings; what do you think will happen next? What does the picture tell you may happen? Did this character make a good choice? Would you do the same thing or something different? What was your favourite part of the story? Etc. the list is endless once you start!
4. Have books in your home: use the library resources available at your local library, here at Davis, or from family and friends. I have also gotten plenty at local thrift stores for $0.25-$1.50 in great shape for children in my life. Don’t be afraid to check them out.
We are really hoping we will see change in our students reading habits now that this has been sent home as a resource for parents. It is not only teachers that can help a student achieve new goals; it is also having an open curriculum awareness with parents and care givers to communicate these visions for success of their loved ones.
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