Does my child have homework assigned every night?
Homework packets go home every Monday and the expectation is that your child spends 30 minutes on homework daily. It is your choice as to what you wish your child to complete for homework. For additional/supplemental practice, students may complete the assigned math, writing, and spelling papers, or they may read a book for 20 or more minutes. The purpose of weekly homework is for adults to check and review their child's progress. We will also be working on thematic project based homework assignments approximately once every four to six weeks. These projects must come back to school on the assigned due date. These projects will be standards based, exploring social studies, science, and art concepts. These projects will be graded for report cards. Students will also be presenting these projects orally in the classroom.
How can I aid my children in their reading development?
Reading can be a very frustrating process for primary students. It does not come easily to many students, and this is why students often avoid reading. It is my goal to make lifelong readers out of each and every student, but I cannot do it alone. To support your child at home: *Read the books sent home and complete the reading Log for Accelerated Reader. * Be enthusiastic about reading. * Read every day with your child. Alternate reading stories to them,and allowing them to read to you. * Buy or borrow leveled reading books from the library. If you do not know your child's reading level, see me. * Give your child an appropriate variety of reading materials to choose from. * Keep track of their daily reading logs. * Don't correct every mistake they make when they read. Reading is developmental, and they will learn many new words each year. * Discuss books with them. This helps with their comprehension.
Please take a look at my classroom wish list. All the items on the list are there because they really help support and supplement my daily direct instruction. Items with an X have already been received. Volunteer time is also greatly appreciated. You can also contribute our PTA.
Should I wait until the Parent/Teacher Conference to discuss my child?
Absolutely not! If you have a question or concern, I will be happy to discuss it with you. Just send a note with your child to set up an appointment or call the school. If I have a concern about your child, you have probably already been notified ~ Let's work as a team to help our Super Stars succeed!
Our Rules/Agreements to help us be responsible, respectful, and positive: *Follow directions *Use only kind words *Wait our turn to speak *Listen when someone is speaking *Be honest and fair *Complete all assignments and do our best *Share and take turns *Keep our areas clean
What happens when someone breaks the rules?
When we break our agreements . . . 1) We get a free reminder 2) We complete a behavior reflection. 3) We may get a note/phone call to our parents. *My plan is to use the office/principal only for profanity, bullying, fighting, or incessant defiance.
What kind of rewards are present for good behavior?
Rewards are given in the form of praise and privilege on a daily basis. The class can earn points towards a party by collectively making good choices and working hard to give socially and academically to each other. We have buckets hanging on the wall in our classroom. If your child makes good choices throughout the week, he/she can participate in Friday Day. If good choices were not made, he/she will miss out on Friday Fun Day.
The June Box is a box of items that kindergarteners should never bring to school. Sometimes our kindergarteners forget and bring distractions such as toys to school (There is a Franklin School rule not to bring toys to school). I also remind them numerous times not to bring toys or things of that nature to school. They do not need any more distractions! If such an item is used during class hours, students get one warning to put it away. If item continues to be played with, I confiscate the item and put it in the "June Box". The items in the June Box stay there until the last day of school, or the student can purchase the item back with good choices. If there is an issue with a confiscated item, please talk to me and understand that I only do this to minimize distractions and petty competitions.
Is it true that you are an author?
Why, yes! I am! I have written three picture books: Kai the Honu Who Didn't Know He Was Brave, Little Mouse's Christmas Present, and Going to the Zoo in Hawai'i. My fourth book is a board book for toddlers and is under the name Kathleen Nichols. It is called: My Five Senses. If you are interested in purchasing my books, please let me know! I have several available for purchase and I use all proceeds to buy school supplies for our classroom. =) I also have two more books coming out next year. Yay!
Do you know any other useful reading tips?
Reading Tips As the school year progresses, please keep in mind the importance of reading with your child every day. Research shows that the most valuable thing parents can do to ensure their child's success in school is to read to and with their child on a daily basis. When reading with your child, please keep these tips in mind: 1) PREPARE: Prepare your child for reading before you begin. Find a quiet spot and allow your child to choose a book that interests him or her. Before you begin reading, look through the pictures in the book to gather information about the topic or events in the story. 2) PAUSE: When your child encounters a difficult word, resist the urge to quickly make corrections. Pause for about 5 seconds before giving assistance in order to give your child a chance to figure the word out independently. 3) PROMPT: When your child is stuck on a tricky word or phrase, give a prompt or question to provide guidance. You may want to say: - Check the picture for clues. - Do you know a word that starts with those letters? - What would make sense there? - If your child does not realize that he or she has made a mistake ask: - Did that make sense? - Where's the tricky word? - You're almost right. Try that again. - This type of questioning empowers children to develop independent reading skills and correct mistakes on their own. 4) PRAISE: Praise is a very important tool that can build confidence in reading and encourage your child to keep trying. Give your child specific praise about what he or she does well when reading. You might say: - Wow! You really read that with expression! - I noticed that you checked the picture for clues. Good job! - I like how you read that part again and fixed your mistake. 5) PROBE: During and after reading, be sure to ask your child questions about the book in order to make sure he or she understands what has been read. You could ask: - What was your favorite part of this story? Why? - Can you retell the most important events of this story in order? 6) HAVE FUN! Most importantly, enjoy the time you spend reading with your child. Our goal is to teach children how much fun reading can be!
What are some basic things my 2nd/3rd Grader needs to know?
I will send home our 2nd/3rd Grade standards home for your review. Some things that we all easily recall, even take for granted, that must be taught and reinforced to your children: *Basic Info: Full address, phone number, birthdate, and how to spell their full name. English Language Arts Students should be fluent readers. Please review the high frequency words set him at Back to School Night. Mathematics Simple addition and subtraction facts should be memorized.
There are many reaons why I created a website for our class. Technology is an important part of our daily lives and it is so meaningful to our students as they navigate their way through their school years. I try to use technology as much as I can in the classroom and at home. I try to update this site frequently with information for all of you! Students can directly access websites introduced during our computer lab time from the Links page. You can see fun pictures from field trips and class activities under the gallery as well! You can learn more about me, our school, and our curriculum. I believe communication is essential between parents and teachers and this website is one component to ensure a successful and wonderful year!
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