CHRISTMAS & GIVING

Tis the season to be giving but it is important to also remind our students and children what they are THANKFUL for.  It is important for them to be part of the giving of gifts.  Going to the store and choosing some gifts to give to less fortunate children themselves.  So they can also give and have that feeling and also receive them.

SPARKING INTEREST

Getting your students imagination sparked easily with an animated figure or something that they can relate to will make writing a paragraph or a story so much easier for them.  Putting this picture in front of them and asking them questions such as where do you think Minnie might be going, who might she be going with, what will they be doing???  How would you feel if you could dress up like Minnie for a day??  Help make the writing process as easy for them as possible.

GIVING STUDENTS MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES

So many of the items our students are given to do are fill in the blanks and bubble in the answers.  They also need to be able to express themselves about their answers in full sentences that make sense and support their answers.  Reasoning behind their choices which is such an important learning skill.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES  A VERY HAPPY GOBBLE & WOBBLE DAY!!!!

BEING THANKFUL

That is really a hard topic for students.  You have to prompt them because being given things and having things doesn't necessarily translate to them that they need to be thankful for them.  They need to be taught the difference between what is a need and what is a want.  That is an important lesson I like to incorporate along with teaching about the first Thanksgiving.

VETERANS DAY

It is so important to teach our students why we have the privileges and the security of our country because of courageous men and women that have chosen to sacrifice their lives to ensure that our country stay free.  They need to know that it isn't just another day that they get off of school.

VOWELS

It is so important that our students learn the proper vowel sounds.  They need to be able to distinguish between a long and short vowel sound and know the rules that accompany them.  This is what is going to make a strong reader, because they are going to have the tools and rules to sound out any word on their own.  I have so many students that come to me for reading to be Tutored and they just have not been taught until mastered the long and short vowel sounds.  They can't tell me what a long e sound is or a short u sound is.  Then top that off with adding other letters to the word then the poor student is just frustrated.  Don't let your child get too behind with this.  It can be corrected but it is much easier done when caught as early as possible.