Literacy Update

We are continuing to work towards meeting the writing goals we set for ourselves this year as part of our School Development Plan. Before Christmas we collected a writing sample from each student in the school and the classroom teachers analyzed the sample. We gathered 3 samples throughout the year and in fact the second sample was collected on Monday. The process has been rewarding for the teachers as the analysis of the samples gives them valuable information about each students skill level which  improves instruction in the class by focusing on the individual components of the writing process. We will keep you updated on our progress. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself.

Ross,

LITERACY BITS FOR PARENTS:

Solving Unfamiliar Words
To attempt an unfamiliar word in reading, your child has to think of a word that would make sense, sound right and look right in the sentence.
• Pre-read your child’s book and determine what might be challenging words. Include those words in your conversation about the book before your child starts reading.
• Resist the temptation to point to the word in the book before your child has the opportunity to problem-solve.
• Remind your child to check the pictures for information.
• Ask your child to reread the sentence and think about a word that would make
sense, sound right and /or look right.
• Ask your child to look for a part in the word that they know, e.g. ‘ing’ in swing.
• If your child is beyond the beginning stages of reading, ask him or her to read to
the end of the sentence to find more information that might help.
• If your child has attempted the word without success, praise their efforts and
say the word.
• Make sure your child knows the meaning of the word that has caused the difficulty.
Establishing a Homework Routine
Homework is meant to develop independence and to reinforce skills that are being taught in the classroom.
• Provide an uncluttered area that is free of as many distractions as possible.

• Make sure that the tools needed are within easy reach, e.g., a dictionary, erasers, sharp pencils. • Work out a regular time for homework that works for your child and your family’s schedule. • Be supportive with the understanding that assigned homework should be work that your child can do independently. • If needed, consider incentives for completing homework within a certain time. • Contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible if there are homework issues.