"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth," says the Lord. - Deuteronomy 11:18-21
ABC for Parents Reading Math Writing Tips for a Great Day Character Qualities Links
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The
ABCs for Parents |
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There is no more important activity for preparing your child to succeed as a reader than reading aloud together.
It's no secret that activities at home are an important supplement to the classroom, but there's more to it than that. There are things that parents can give to children at home that classrooms cannot give. Children who are read to grow to love books. Over the years, these children will have good memories to treasure. They remember stories that made them laugh and stories that made them cry. They remember sharing these times with someone they love, and they anticipate with joy the time when they will be able to read for themselves. Long before a child is able to read independently, they should be involved with books in a positive way. Here are some things you can do at home to develop positive reading behaviors in your child: 1. Read to your child at least 10 minutes a day. You may want to establish a nightly routine of a bedtime story. By reading aloud to your child you increase their vocabulary and attention span while exposing them to quality literature they are unable to read on their own. 2. Talk with your child about stories you have read together. Ask questions about the plot, characters, or their favorite part. 3. Allow your child to "read" familiar stories to you. Accept his/her version of the story. This is a great pre-reading skill as children learn to use picture clues to develop meaning.4. Get a public library card for your child. Make this a fun event and your child will love to go to the library for years to come! Give them a special bag, basket, or shelf to store their books on. 5. Allow your child to select the story he/she would like to hear, even if you have already read it 100 times.6.Select different types of books and a wide variety of reading materials for your child to choose from (e.g., magazines, newspapers, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, recipes). 7. Point out print in the environment (e.g., signs, cereal boxes, restaurants). 8. Books make great gifts! Select high quality books with detailed illustrations. Caldecott award winners are a good bet- look for the gold seal. If you are not sure, ask your child's teacher or the librarian at your local library.9. Limit TV viewing. The APA recommends no more than 10 hours per week for Kindergarten children. 10. Invest in books on tape. You can get these from the Library. They are great for car trips! 11. Get an Easy Reader Bible and read it with your child letting them say the words they know. It is important to plant God's word in their hearts while they are still young! 12. Let your child see you reading! He/She wants to grow up to be just like you! Reading Links Help Your Child Become a Reader
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color Play "I spy" with shapes and numbers Sort money by type and discuss name and values Guess numbers between 1-10 by giving clues (i.e. I'm thinking of a number that comes after 6 but is before 8) Let your child cook with you, this is a great time to point out fractions and time concepts Make a pattern out of cereal or cracker pieces Use household items to solve simple addition and subtraction problems (i.e. If you have 3 Barbie dolls and 3 Polly pockets, how many dolls do you have? Math Links |
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Children will experiment with writing just like they do with reading. Just like a child's first words are approximations, so is their writing. Being willing to accept scribbles and random letters as "writing" will help your child develop a positive view of writing and encourage them to pursue more meaningful representations. 1. Provide a variety of writing materials for your child and give them a special place to write. You may want to put the following in a special basket or shelf: pencils, markers, crayons, clip boards, a variety of paper, envelopes, stickers, etc. 2. Encourage your child be making comments to the content of the writing not just correctness. 3. Provide a special place to display your child's writing, such as the front of the refrigerator or a small bulletin board.4. Give your child real contexts to write (thank you notes, lists, labels, notes, letters, etc.) 5. Teach your child how to sound out words by stretching them out. Do not get into the habit of always spelling words for your child, or they will stop trying. 6. Write notes to your child and put them in special places (e.g., bathroom mirror, lunch box, under the pillow).7. Share your writing (letters, cards, lists, etc.) with your child so they can see the purpose in writing. Writing Links Picture Explanations of the Writing Stages
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10 Signs of Good Kindergarten Classroom
Snack Ideas (to make at home or bring in to share)
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Developing
Reading Behaviors
Developing
Math Behaviors
Developing
Writing Behaviors
Tips
for a Great Kindergarten Day 
