Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. How can I challenge my child?

2. What time is lunch?

3. When will my child read?

4. What did you learn at school today?

5. Why does my child make some letters and numbers backward?

6. What can I bring for Birthday snacks?

How can I challenge my child?

There are a variety of ways to answer this.  The first thing I would recommend is about reading.  When a student finishes a story, ask them any questions: Who, what, when, where, and why?  When finished, have them put significant  events in chronological order.  If they have problems, they may not be getting all the main details while reading.  Another thing to do is let them read half a story and write the other half the way they  would like the story to end.   This is not only challenging, but fun too.

What time is lunch?

We go to lunch every day at 10:50.  You may join your child any day for lunch.  Just send a note to me so I can order a hot lunch for you.  We really need an accurate count in the  cafeteria so they don't run out for the last group.  There are NO snacks unless there is a birthday treat.  Please make all birthday treats the exact same.  

When will my child read?

At the beginning of first grade there is a vast reading difference in all the students.  Some are reading well, while others are still learning the sounds.  Students will all cover the same materials, but will get there at different times.  We teach reading by sounding out the words: first sound, last, and then fill in the middle.   If I have any concerns, I will let you know as soon as possible. I want reading to be enjoyable, and not a chore.

What did you learn at school today?

Typically, the answer you receive is "NOTHING!"  First graders have so many things enter their mind, that they truly believe they haven't learned anything.  If they do tell you something, it is normally about something that happened on the playground or in the cafeteria. The scary part is that most kids can tell you almost every detail that they saw on a television show.

Why does my child make some letters and numbers backward?

This is not uncommon for first graders.  I will write these correctly next to their writing.  It's nothing to be overly concerned about.

What can I bring for Birthday snacks?

I am very open to treats, but please no sheet cakes.  Also, check with teacher for students with allergies.  Make sure all birthday treats are the exact same.  Either all chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  You would be amazed at the trouble there is with treats that are a bit different.