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Parent Information      Below you will find some tips on what you can do at home to help your child have a successful kindergarten year: Be sure your child is getting to bed early.  The first few weeks of school, in particular, can be very tiring for a child.  Ensuring your child gets enough sleep will help him or her have a happier and more productive day. One of the things kindergartners often struggle with is appropriate school behavior.  You can help your child polish his or her social skills by doing the following:        Expect your child to follow your directions the first time they are                    given.  This is what we expect of your child at school.          Establish consequences for breaking rules.  If your child chooses                    to break a rule, be consistent in following through with the                     consequence.          Praise appropriate behavior.          Give your child opportunities to interact with other children.          Encourage your child to share and to solve problems by talking                    about them.          Give your child responsibilities such as making his/her bed, setting                    the table, or cleaning his/her room.  Your child will have                    responsibilities at school too. Read the newsletter that comes home every other week.  This letter will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in your child's class and let you know of special events that are coming up.  You may also want to check the News link on this site. Help your child complete his or her homework each week.  The homework reinforces what we're doing in school and will help your child master important skills.  For help, check out the Homework page on this site. Be involved in your child's class.  Offer to come in for class parties or field trips, or volunteer to help out with things that can be done at home. Try to read with your child everyday.  Students who are read to regularly are often more interested in reading and more prepared to read by themselves.  Try to make learning a part of your child's daily activities.  Letting your child help measure ingredients for supper, cut a pizza into eighths, look for words he or she recognizes, or count how many red cars are passed on the way to the store are just a few ways your child can practice skills without even knowing it! Give your child many opportunities to practice fine motor skills.  Cutting, coloring, drawing, writing, and playing with play dough are some ways to strengthen the muscles of the hand and improve fine motor control.  Pay attention to your child's progress reports and report cards.  Make  note of skills with which your child is struggling and make time to work on those skills at home. Share your concerns with your child's teacher.  You are welcome to e-mail me, but if you have a pressing concern I suggest that you call the school at 299-3416 or write me a note.         Home   About Me     1st Day Tips     Kindergarten Information     News   Homework     Van Buren Home     Links   Contact Me