Happy New Year to the entire CMCS family!

Things Parents Can Say to Help Their Children with Reading

Helpful prompts to use when listening to your child read:

“Look at the picture.” 

“Make the first sound, then go back and

reread.” 

“How does the word begin?” 

“Do you see any parts you know?” 

“Does that word make sense?” 

“Does that word look right?” 

“Does that word sound right?” 

“Go back and reread the whole sentence.”

Time Management

Whether it's finding socks or finishing homework, many parents assume children are simply time-challenged, and there’s little to be done about getting them to complete a task within a set schedule. But time management is just as teachable as reading and math.  It's just a matter of building simple tips and tricks into your daily routine.

For a great list of tips, click on the article below published by Additude Magazine.  Additude is one of my favorite websites, recommended to me by our school psychologist..   I urge you check back often!

-Cindy

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/760.html

Math Games!

Encourage early mathematics and number activities

It is important that children are introduced to mathematics as a meaningful, pleasurable activity, not a rote memory skill.  It is for this reason that I absolutely LOVE the games incorporated into the Everyday Math curriculum.   Many of your students’ teachers send home weekly or bi-weekly math game ideas.  The games are easy to implement, and have many rewarding benefits for your child.  Beyond these specific games, many simple board games with dice are excellent ways of teaching counting,  one-to-one correspondence, and turn taking.

If you would like additional math game ideas, please refer to the article below.  It provides instructions for simple card games that will strengthen math reasoning, and math fluency.

http://seps.mgd-colo.peak.org/Math%20Page/Math%20Night%20PDFs/Simple%20games%20to%20play%20at%20home.pdf

Thinking About My Thinking

We have introduced these "Thinking About My Thinking" cards in room 19 to check for understanding as instruction is given.  By providing the visual cue, students are encouraged to clarify their understanding of new concepts.   When a misunderstanding is made clear, students can ask better questions, and integrate new information.

You may not have color-coded cue cards around the house, but you do have the opportunity to encourage your child to ask open ended questions when confronted with a problem or misunderstanding.  If your child frequently cries, “I need help!”, while doing homework, ask them to clarify their questions.  “Help with what, exactly?”  If they respond by pointing to a problem on a worksheet while giving you an assuming grunt, resist handing them the easy answer.  Respond with your own questions until they express themselves with clarity, and ask for help with precision.

October is National LD Awareness Month!

Does your child have learning and attention issues such as dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder or problems with executive function? Share this with friends and loved ones whose children or students are struggling with LD or related issues. http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/videos/video-you-are-not-alone

Let's Get Organized!

As we settle into the new school year, a common issue many parents are struggling with is getting their children organized. Children can learn to prioritize and organize - and parents can really help them achieve this skill!  One of the better articles I've stumbled upon that addresses this very issue can be found on the National Center for Learning Disabilities website.  

Bob Cunningham, former teacher and contributing writer for NCLD, provides a real plan you can put into place tomorrow! Click on the link below to access the article:

Messy Backpack? How to Help Your Child Get Organized