Many of us have a chance to read to young children.  It can be our child, grandchild, a relative or a friend's child.  Reading to a child is something special that we can all do!!  Here are a few reading tips: 

• It's never too early (or too late) to read to children.
• Set aside a special time to read, such as before going to bed .
• Find a cozy place to read, away from distractions.  Make reading a book comfortable for you and the child/ren. 
• Read with enthusiasm and with expression. 
• Read the book slowly and pause once in a while.  Don't rush when you are reading a book.  Make it a pleasant experience!!
• Choose books that are interesting to children or relate to something going on in their lives. For example, if you are going to the fire station, it might be fun to find a book that has a fire station in the book. 
• For young children, read the same book many times.  If a child has a favorite book, it's good to read it as much as he/she wants.  Children like repetition in their lives. 
• For young children, sometimes after a while, the child might pitch in and "read" a part of the book, especially after hearing the book many times.  It's fun for the child to know what's coming up next in the book. 
• For the young, let the child point to pictures in the book and turn the page of the book.  Let the child look at the words and the pictures in the book and be familiar with the book itself. 
• Have a shelf or even a box available for your child to store their books.  With rising prices, look for special deals or places that give away books.  Books can be purchased at low prices at garage sales and thrift stores, too. 
• Get a library card for your child. It's good to use the library to borrow books for a child.  The public library is an interesting place to visit with fun events for children.   
• Be a good example for a child by letting him/her see you read the newspaper, a book or instructions to put something together.  Let them know that reading has a reason such as finding out information, learning or just having fun. 

Hello Pre K and Kindergarten Parents,

It’s really beginning to start to feel like fall.  I would like to remind parents at this time that we try to go outside everyday, as long as the weather permits.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately.  Also, if your child keeps an extra change of clothes at school, it should also be appropriate for the season.

In the classroom this week, we continued our theme study of In The Sky.  This week, we took a closer look at The Earth.  We learned that the Earth is the only planet on our Solar System that has living things.  We then brainstormed a list of living things and non-living things.  Also, at the art center students made their own representation of The Earth with paper plates, tissue paper and glue.  I think they came out great.

Our Letterland trip this week introduced us to Dippy Duck.  We discovered that her letter can sometimes get confused with Bouncy Ben’s, but learned the story of how Dippy Duck does not like to swim backwards.  Students loved learning the song and finger play Five Little Ducks.  See if your child is able to sing it to you.  We continued to learn about parts of words, or syllables this week during our word work time.  We learned a new poem, and students enjoyed clapping out how many parts are in their favorite food.  We also made books about our favorite foods this week.

This week in math the kindergarten students began our number sense unit.  We started off focusing on number 0 – 5.  This week we learned about equal groups, more, fewer and concentrated on one to one correspondence when counting.  That means counting one number for each object that you see.  This week we practiced only with the numbers 1 – 4.  I realize this may be a review for some, but an important skill to have mastered to help us once we start working with bigger numbers.

Enjoy the fall colors.

Mrs. Bates

First and Second Grade