weekly Overview

Upcoming Events

6/09 Ocean Animal Report is due

6/14 Class Plays @ 2pm (Parents are invited.)

6/16 Last Day of School / Class Luau - 12pm Dismissal (Free Dress / Hawaiian Dress)

Tips for Homework:

• Set up a work space, free of clutter and distractions. 

Teacher Tip: It is completely normal for first graders to put objects that are near them in their mouths without even realizing it. Keep the clutter to a minimum and it will help reduce the germ-spreading behavior. Having school materials handy helps your child to be prepared for lessons and reduces stress.

• Give them time to move. 

Teacher Tip: Movement is critical for learning. A lot of research has gone into this and it is true that kids learn best with frequent opportunities to move. Balance balls, wobbly chairs, and standing to work helps with focus and memory retention. (I won't get into it deeply, but if this topic interests you read: Boys and Girls Learn Differently: A Guide for Teachers and Parents, by Michael Gurian)

• Kids behave differently with parents than with their teachers.

Teacher Tip: You're not crazy, kids do act differently with their parents than they do with their teachers. You may want to have a conversation with your child about your expectations for their learning before school starts. You can set up the expectation that you are there to help, but not to do work for them. Reading instructions and reinforcing concepts are welcome, but hand holding to get them to do their work is not beneficial for them. Be consistent with your expectations and they will fair well. 

• Establish a consistent schedule for school and daily life routines.

Teacher Tip: Kids thrive on routines because they give them a sense of control. Kids are also quite visual at this age, and it helps for them to see what their day is going to look like. It may help to make a chart or poster that they can reference to know what to anticipate. Include daily routines and chores. The more consistent you are in following it, the better. Timers are also a helpful tool for little kids. It helps them develop the concept of time management to completing tasks. 

• Limit screen time.

Teacher Tip: As you already know, too much screen time is bad for the eyes and brain and can cause behavior changes over time. Consider a new schedule of exra-curricular screen time that limits weekday exposure.

• Be super supportive of everyone.

Teacher Tip: Adults are not the only ones navigating these strange times. Kids are very resilient, but they need support. Encourage your child to do his or her best as often as possible. Give hugs and high fives when they are doing things right or well. 

I am going to do the best that I can to teach and support the health of our class this year. Parents have asked what they can do to help, and my response is simple: Be patient and supportive. Everyone is going to do their best. With patience and support, we will all grow and thrive together.