Words to Know For Third Quarter!

Short a words: at, bat, cat, hat, mat, Nat, Pat, rat, sat, vat, an, ban, can, Dan, fan, Jan, man, Nan, pan, ran, tan, van

Short i words: bit, fit, hit, it, kit, lit,pit, quit, sit, wit, big, dig, fig, jig, pig, rig, wig, zig

Short o words: cot, dot, got, hot, jot, lot, not, pot, rot, tot, box, fox, ox

Hi-frequency words: a, and, are, for, go, have, he, here, I, is, like, my, play, said, see, she, the, to

Tips for Reluctant Readers

 The following article is taken from the following website.

 

hubpages.com/hub/10-Top-Tips-To-Overcome-Objections-If-Your-Child-If-Your-Child-Is-A-Reluctant-Reader

Tips to Encourage a Reluctant Reader

• Ask your child why he does not enjoy reading – is it because it is too easy, too hard, does he not like the genre of book he is being asked to read, would he prefer reading a non-fiction book? His answers may give a clue as to why he is a reluctant reader.
• Set up a reward chart to encourage daily reading for a given period of time. The reward should be chosen by your child and could be anything, for example, extra time on the computer, being allowed to watch a favourite tv show, extra time playing football, etc.  Motivating the reluctant reader is key in improving reading skills

• Choose an appropriate time for your child to read. If he is very young, he may be very tired at the end of the day and this would not be a good time for him to read to you.
• Set a timer so he can see exactly how long he has to read for and how much longer there is to go. If your child is between 4 and 7, a maximum time of 15 minutes per session should be set. If he is older, 20 – 30 minutes is probably about the right length of time.
• Take your child to the library or the bookshop and encourage him to make choices about the books he wants to read. He is more likely to want to read if he has made these choices for himself, rather than having the book he has to read chosen for him.
• Make sure that you have a place where your child feels comfortable reading. Have him help setting it up, choosing the chair, cushions, etc. Maybe have a bookshelf with the books he has chosen close by. Make sure that this is a place where he can read quietly without interruption.
• Encourage your child to develop his reading skills through accessing different types of texts. For example, non-fiction, magazines, comics, using the computer (for example, the CBBC website).
• Use your child’s hobbies and interests to advantage. For example, if he is interested in sharks or has a favorite team, find books on these subjects and share them with him
• Encourage your child to play reading-based games. A useful resource is the Letters and Sounds website. This is a great site and brilliant fun for parents and children alike - although it is particularly aimed at primary age children.
• Make sure that your child’s school is aware of the situation. They may be able to offer you additional advice. Most English Primary Schools will hear ‘daily readers’ and these often comprise reluctant readers or those who refuse to read at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are February 15th and 17th.  Attendance is very important to your child's school career.  Your child will appreciate your effort to attend conferences to know that you care about their education and well-being.
Below are some websites with tips for parent/teacher conferences.

school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-school/parent-teacher-conferences/38586.html
www.squidoo.com/parent-teacher-conference-tips

Please remember that we will dismiss school at 2:20 on both days.  There is no school on Friday, February 18, 2011.

A few tips ......

1. Ask your child if there is anything that he would like you to discuss with the teacher.
2. Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
3. Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.
4. Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
5. Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
6. Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
7. Keep your emotions under control.
8. Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
9. Express appreciation for the conference.
10. Do not stay beyond your allotted time.

Ahoy Matey! Come Aboard for Reading!

On February 21, Washington Elementary will begin their Spring Reading Program.  We are having a pirate theme this year, using the theme song, "We Are the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything But Read!". Every student will be expected to participate in the Reading Program.  Reading Slips will be sent home and students returning slips each Monday will receive a weekly prize.  At the end of the four weeks, students who have returned 3 out of the four slips will be able to go to an all school movie party! Please help your child by setting aside a time to read and by signing their reading slips weekly.
The prizes for meeting the reading goal--
week 1- ring pop, bookmark
week 2- root beer floats
week 3- sword pen, pirate tattoos
week 4- movie in the gym, schoolwide pajama party (Peter Pan)

Valentine's Day Party!

We will be having our Valentine's Day Party on Monday, February 14th.  Please have your child bring a decorated Valentine holder on or before the 14th.  Children will be passing out Valentines to each of their classmates. I have included the class list below.
Girls: Ana, Alisha, Alison, Kiya, Kate, Kayla, Paige, Gabbie, Lily, Rowyn, Jacy, Makenna, Belle, Mrs. Deb, Miss Courtney, Mrs. Kaufmann

Boys: Adrian, Max, Jace, Tate, Hunter, Myles, Izayah, Cian, Ben, Nathaniel
We have 23 students and 3 associates in our classroom!