One question that parents ask me all the time is "What can I do to help my child practice what he/she learns during school at home?" First of all, let me say that I am a firm believer that only when we have a strong connection between school and home do students truly succeed. I am constantly in awe of the commitment of my students' parents and I am honored to work with you and your students! The following ideas are simply suggestions for ways that you can help your student in language acquisition and literacy growth. If you have ANY questions about any of these suggestions or anything else, please don't hesitate to email me at ashley.topham@bufordcityschools.org. I am available and willing to help!
5 Ways to Help Your Student At Home:
1. Read, read, read with them! I cannot overemphasize the importance of reading with your student. You can take turns reading with them, because it is just as important for your student to practice listening literacy. A great website that provides online guided reading books is Storyline Online.
2. Ask open-ended questions. One of the best ways for your students to practice what they learn in school is to act as a teacher of what they learned. So, each day, ask your student to teach you something about what they learned that day
3. Post your student's work in a place of pride. Students need affirmation and encouragement and what better way to encourage their successes at school than by providing them with a place at home to show off their work. I still remember how special I felt when my mom or dad put some of my schoolwork on the refrigerator!
4. Come to school and watch your student in action! We have an open-door policy in my classroom and our students are accustomed to visitors. You will be able to see what we are learning about in class and demonstrate to your student that school is important to you, too!
5. Have fun and be creative! Anything can be a learning experience, especially when you are a young child learning to read and learning a new language. When you are cooking dinner, let your child read the recipe and help measure the ingredients. When you are watching television, put on the closed caption (CC) and practice reading together. Ask questions and have conversation with your child in which he/she can act as an expert. Engage them in experiences that help grow their love of learning!
Below are a couple of great websites that are excellent resources for parents. Whether you have a computer at home or not, you can access these websites at any public library!
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| Our class, April 2011. |
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