Welcome to Kindergarten!
Kindergarten is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. This is a year of important transitions, as well as one in which acquisition of new skills is accelerated. During Kindergarten, your child will learn how to read simple sentences, write simple words, write numbers, sort, and so much more. I hope to make your child’s learning experience a fun and exciting one, and I hope to instill a love of learning that will last throughout your child’s years of education.
So much happens in Kindergarten! Because of this, the year will be full of important transitions. It is extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small successes. Each child will progress at his/her own rate, acquiring skills as he/she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority in our first grade.
Here are some ways you can help:
Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem. This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!
Read to and with your child every day. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom.
Remember to record all reading in your child's reading log. I am looking forward to a working with your child this year and helping him/her to achieve his/her full potential.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
This year we will have FISH folder system. This system is to help your child learn how to organize and be responsible for his/her own education. FISH stands for Family Involvement Starts Here. Most homework assignments will consist of a reading log and one or two assignments. These are meant to be a practice for what we are doing in class. Please use your own public library, or MET's when it opens in October for reading books.
Homework is given on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday, of each week all homework is due on Wednesday Mornings. (if your child fails to turn in 5 or more homework assignments during a 9-week period, it will be documented in the report card). Missing or incomplete reading logs will count toward the five. FISH folders are due at 8:30 each morning. It is your child’s responsibility for all homework. Please allow your child to take on this responsibility and have them pack his/her own backpacks each morning.
Tests will be given on Friday’s or last day of the week. Tests dates will be noted in the weekly agenda and website. Please make sure to check the website weekly.
I am more than willing to meet with parents concerning his/her child please let the office know if you would like to meet with me and fill out a parent meeting request form. Please allow a few days for me to get back to you by e-mail.
Any questions or concerns that need immediate reply please e-mail me at asujana@metpdx.orgor avasujana@hotmail.com . I usually will get back to you within 48 hours.
All newsletters are downloadable for viewing. I do give all families one copy that is placed in the FISH.
Tips for Teaching Writing
1. Demonstrate correct letter formation
It is important to teach children the correct letter formation from when they first start writing.
To assist you with this, a letter with numbered arrows showing where to start and where to finish each letter is provided, followed by grey letters that can be traced and then a blank line on which the child must copy the correct letter forms.
Research shows that if you first "say" the correct letter formation while demonstrating it for the child that they learn their letters more easily. Then let them do the same, to ensure multi-sensory learning.
For example, demonstrate the letter 'a' and say: "Around, up and down." Practice in the air a few times, then with a finger on paper (or sandpaper) and finally with a pencil on paper.
2. Oversee writing
Oversee your children's handwriting practice sessions. Don't let bad habits develop that will take time to unlearn!
3. Keep lessons short
Do not overwhelm your child with too much copy work or handwriting at one time. Handwriting practice sessions should be kept short, about 15 minutes at a time, but you should require your child's best efforts at each sitting.