For Parents

To keep you informed about classroom activities and assignments, I’m using ClassTag this year. ClassTag is a free service that lets me send quick messages via text, push notifications or email to everyone involved with the class. ClassTag will keep all phone numbers and emails private and will allow us to stay in touch. Please contact me (amy_mckinney@sdst.org) if you have any questions about how to get signed up for ClassTag.

Homework Help

In order to encourage students to read, I have in effect a daily self-selected reading homework assignment. However, I feel it is important that kids be permitted to make their own choices in what they read, so that they experience a good deal of enjoyment from it. Because of this, I have listed here a few alternative choices in reading homework, which are “non-book” ways of getting your child to read (and many of them have great opportunities to practice math skills, too!).

Play board games – Scrabble or Boggle are specifically good for building vocabulary and spelling, but most games include reading opportunities, including kid versions of Trivial Pursuit, Pay Day, Monopoly, and Clue (among many others).

Collect trading cards – There are card series to appeal to most interests, from sports to space travel, Yu-Gi-Oh! to Beanie Babies. Most include facts that encourage kids to read more about their hobbies.

Learn how to… – Is there something your child would really like to do, such as perform magic tricks or add sequins to her jeans? Encourage her to find out how by reading about it. Your child can read instructions in do-it-yourself kits or download information from the Web.

Get cooking – Invite your child to help you bake a cake or make a special meal together. If necessary, simplify and rewrite a recipe’s instructions so he can read it to you. Also, try children’s cookbooks which have fun recipes and entertaining directions for him to read.

Make cards – Have your child make her own cards for holidays, birthdays, party invitations, and thank-you’s. Help her write a personal message to each recipient.

What You Can Do

There are so many things you can do to help your child succeed academically. Take a look at just a few ideas here.

TIPS FOR DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN

1. Use checklists - These can be used to list assignments and household chores, and to remind children to bring appropriate materials to class. Crossing completed items off the list will help children feel a sense of accomplishment.
2. Organize homework assignments - Children should start with an assignment that's not too long or difficult but avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments for last.
3. Set a designated study space - This should be a quiet place where supplies and materials are close at hand.
4. Set a designated study time - Parents should include their children in this decision which helps them take ownership of homework and study time.
5. Keep organized notebooks - Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder.
6. Conduct a weekly clean-up - Encourage and monitor children while they go through and sort out their book bag and binder on a weekly basis.
7. Create a household schedule - A regular schedule will help your child fall into a patter when at home.
8. Keep a master calendar - This will help family members keep track of each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.
9. Prepare for the day ahead - Before your child goes to bed, he/she should pack school work and books in a book bag. This will cut down on morning confusion, and will allow your child to prepare for the day ahead.
10. Provide necessary support while your child is learning to become more organized - Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Give children gentle - explicit - reminders about keeping papers and materials organized. Most important, set a good example.

MEMORY TIPS FOR STUDENTS

1. Sort information: Help your retrieval system by putting new information into categories. You can group by dates, people, formulas, etc. It may help to make a chart as you study.
2. Frequent review: Studying new information the same day you heard or read it will improve memory significantly. A small review each day is essential if you have memory problems.
3. Use humor or exaggeration: Information stays in memory longer if it is related to something novel and interesting. Make up something funny or exaggerated that ties into what needs to be memorized.
4. Explore the senses: Try learning the information visually, verbally, and kinesthetically and find which sense works best for you. Some people need to combine two or more senses.
5. Color code: By using colored pens, highlighters, post-it notes and flags, index cards, etc., you can make an impression on your memory. This is a way of sorting information for storage as you assign colors.
6. Make visual aids: Draw pictures or cartoon characters, graphs, tables, charts, time lines, etc. to aid memory. Even simple stick figures and drawings are useful if you are a visual learner. Pay attention to pictures, charts, etc. in textbooks.
7. Rehearse aloud: Verbal rehearsal is an effective memory tool. Study with someone or use a tape recorder to say aloud what needs to be memorized.
8. Make it physical: Adding physical activity such a pacing, jumping, throwing a ball, or writing enhances the memory for many people. Typing or rewriting notes is a very effective memory device for people who need to learn kinesthetically.

Extension Activities

Your child may need more of a challenge for homework. Have him complete a task on the attached list called "Monster Club Tasks." He should check in with you for a discussion on what he learned through each activity, but does not need to hand anything in at school.