This is a new feature in our Elementary Express. Our partnership with parents in educating students is vital to ACES. Communication between teachers and parents happens in a variety of ways. Suggestions for helping your child(ren) with the important aspects of their schooling are often included in monthly newsletters. This section continues that practice and will include things many of you do already, but may be new or a good reminder. We hope you find it helpful. Our thanks to Susan Dykshoorn for her work on preparing this.
This month we “celebrate” Family Literacy Day (January 28~there are programs available from your local library on that day!). At school we find a variety of ways to encourage reading development. You can do the same at home! One way is by helping your child participate in the Home Reading Program each month. Here are 3 more ideas:
• Read the Bible or devotionals before breakfast, supper or bedtime. For example, have your child take turns reading verses with you, or read the prayer after you have read the main part of the devotional reading.
• Read different types of prints: poetry, newspapers, magazines, etc. Reading a variety of texts may make reading more exciting and can be done in small slices of time. Reading directions to DS or Wii games, recipes, lists, or small articles of interest to your children are all ways to encourage them to read!
• Read on the computer. There are lots of games and sites that encourage reading. Here are a few to try:
www.starfall.com
resources.kaboose.com/games/read2.html
http://www.childrensbooksforever.com
www.growupreading.org (grade level book lists and activities available)