Dear Readers,
“So it is with children who learn to read fluently and well: They begin to take flight into whole new worlds as effortlessly as young birds take to the sky.”
- William James
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Kitchen Saftey Tips
Dear Readers,
I love the holidays, but be careful in the kitchen if you are going to let your children help you.
These tips help you choose what kids can do around the kitchen, but if they're going to be there as you cook then there are certain precautions you should take.
A common house fires is started from someone cooking. Most common cause of burns in kids under 3 come from scalding hot liquids or hot surfaces.
If you follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Agency and the U.S. Fire Administration you will help to have a safe kitchen for you and your children while cooking.
1. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
2. Stay alert. Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
3. If you must leave the home for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven.
4. Keep young children at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from any place where hot food or drink is being prepared or carried.
5. Never hold a small child while cooking.
6. Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges.
7. Secure table cloths to keep kids from pulling items off tables.
8. Always turn pot holders inward.
9. Use the stove's back burners whenever possible.
10. Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
11. Keep appliance cords coiled and away from counter edges.
12. Don't use extension cords with cooking appliances.
13. Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens, or stovetops. Never use wet oven mitts or potholders as they can cause scald burns.
14. Replace old or worn oven mitts.
15. Keep things that burn -- pot holders, oven mitts, paper or plastic -- off your stovetop.
16. Don’t store things that can burn in an oven, microwave, or toaster oven.
17. Clean food and grease off burners, stovetops and ovens.
18. Wear clothing with sleeves that are short, close fitting, or tightly rolled up.
Happy Cooking while you are Safe in the Kitchen
I love the holidays, but be careful in the kitchen if you are going to let your children help you.
These tips help you choose what kids can do around the kitchen, but if they're going to be there as you cook then there are certain precautions you should take.
A common house fires is started from someone cooking. Most common cause of burns in kids under 3 come from scalding hot liquids or hot surfaces.
If you follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Agency and the U.S. Fire Administration you will help to have a safe kitchen for you and your children while cooking.
1. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
2. Stay alert. Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
3. If you must leave the home for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven.
4. Keep young children at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from any place where hot food or drink is being prepared or carried.
5. Never hold a small child while cooking.
6. Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges.
7. Secure table cloths to keep kids from pulling items off tables.
8. Always turn pot holders inward.
9. Use the stove's back burners whenever possible.
10. Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
11. Keep appliance cords coiled and away from counter edges.
12. Don't use extension cords with cooking appliances.
13. Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens, or stovetops. Never use wet oven mitts or potholders as they can cause scald burns.
14. Replace old or worn oven mitts.
15. Keep things that burn -- pot holders, oven mitts, paper or plastic -- off your stovetop.
16. Don’t store things that can burn in an oven, microwave, or toaster oven.
17. Clean food and grease off burners, stovetops and ovens.
18. Wear clothing with sleeves that are short, close fitting, or tightly rolled up.
Happy Cooking while you are Safe in the Kitchen
Friday, October 29, 2010
7 ways to get organized
Dear Readers,
There are many books that can teach you how to get organized, but after you read them how do you stay organized? I have found out that if you establish a pattern or routine daily it helps to keep things organized.
1. Keep a family calendar – everyone always has to be somewhere.
Your schedules will not overlap if you keep a calendar.
2. Have a checklist - Checklists help your child stay on track and it helps to develop your child’s ability to organize his/her time.
3. Get ready the night before - Get everything ready the night before, so you will know where clothes, shoes, hats, coats, etc are for the next morning.
4. Buy your child a planner to use to write homework assignments in.
5. Organize schoolwork, homework and notes for home in separate folders.
6. Check the backpack nightly, you may find the forgotten note about the PTA/PTO, Field trip, permission slip for music that needed to be signed 2 weeks ago.
7. Establish a homework routine. If your child attends aftercare, most of the time some of the homework may be completed before the child is picked up from after-care. The child would then have another "study hour" at home to read.
Reward your child and yourself too.
There are many books that can teach you how to get organized, but after you read them how do you stay organized? I have found out that if you establish a pattern or routine daily it helps to keep things organized.
1. Keep a family calendar – everyone always has to be somewhere.
Your schedules will not overlap if you keep a calendar.
2. Have a checklist - Checklists help your child stay on track and it helps to develop your child’s ability to organize his/her time.
3. Get ready the night before - Get everything ready the night before, so you will know where clothes, shoes, hats, coats, etc are for the next morning.
4. Buy your child a planner to use to write homework assignments in.
5. Organize schoolwork, homework and notes for home in separate folders.
6. Check the backpack nightly, you may find the forgotten note about the PTA/PTO, Field trip, permission slip for music that needed to be signed 2 weeks ago.
7. Establish a homework routine. If your child attends aftercare, most of the time some of the homework may be completed before the child is picked up from after-care. The child would then have another "study hour" at home to read.
Reward your child and yourself too.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stay on Task
Dear Readers,
It has been 2 weeks now since we have been using the Morning Routine Chart. It is working for us but sometimes I have to gently ask : "What's next on your routine chart?" or "What needs to happen for you to get ready for school?"
It has been 2 weeks now since we have been using the Morning Routine Chart. It is working for us but sometimes I have to gently ask : "What's next on your routine chart?" or "What needs to happen for you to get ready for school?"
Monday, October 18, 2010
How to Grow a Reader
Dear Readers,
How do you grow a reader?
Step 1: From infancy to the birth of your child, read, read, read to your unborn baby.
Step 2: From birth read to your newborn child
Step 3: Build your child a library with picture books and bright colored books.
Step 4: Read the picture books to your baby and point to the pictures as you read.
Step 5: While reading to your child, animate your voice and facial expression.
As your child gets older:
Step 6: Take your child to the library or bookstore often
Step 7: Encourage your child to ask questions as you read to him/her
Step 8: Let your child see you reading and how much you enjoy reading.
Step 9: Go to story hour at the library
Step 10: Read bedtime stories to your child every night
For fluent readers and school age:
Step 11: Have your child read 20 to 30 minutes a day
HAPPY READING!!
How do you grow a reader?
Step 1: From infancy to the birth of your child, read, read, read to your unborn baby.
Step 2: From birth read to your newborn child
Step 3: Build your child a library with picture books and bright colored books.
Step 4: Read the picture books to your baby and point to the pictures as you read.
Step 5: While reading to your child, animate your voice and facial expression.
As your child gets older:
Step 6: Take your child to the library or bookstore often
Step 7: Encourage your child to ask questions as you read to him/her
Step 8: Let your child see you reading and how much you enjoy reading.
Step 9: Go to story hour at the library
Step 10: Read bedtime stories to your child every night
For fluent readers and school age:
Step 11: Have your child read 20 to 30 minutes a day
HAPPY READING!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
7 Ways to Develop Your Child's Organizational Skills
Dear Readers,
1. Keep a family calendar – Keep track of the family and know what is planned and where every one should be. This will eliminate the problem of schedules overlapping.
2. Introduce checklists. Checklists develop a child’s ability to organize his/her time.
3. Get ready the night before - Get in the habit of getting everything ready the night before (know where clothes, shoes, coats, hats, etc). Sometimes this can be a tedious task for children as well as adults.
4. Buy your child a planner. Some school us agenda/planners to keep children organized at school. This also works at home to keep the child organized and on track.
5. Organize schoolwork. Schoolwork includes homework, class assignments, notes home to parents and notes about upcoming events. Teach your child to stay organized by keeping each subject in individual folders. Check the backpack nightly, you may find the forgotten note about the PTA/PTO, Field trip, permission slip for music that needed to be signed 2 weeks ago.
6. Establish a homework routine. If your child attends aftercare, most of the time some of the homework may be completed before the child is picked up from after-care. The child would then have another "study hour" at
7. Reward your child - Encourage your child to continue using their morning routine schedule especially if it is helping your child get ready for school in an organized manner.
1. Keep a family calendar – Keep track of the family and know what is planned and where every one should be. This will eliminate the problem of schedules overlapping.
2. Introduce checklists. Checklists develop a child’s ability to organize his/her time.
3. Get ready the night before - Get in the habit of getting everything ready the night before (know where clothes, shoes, coats, hats, etc). Sometimes this can be a tedious task for children as well as adults.
4. Buy your child a planner. Some school us agenda/planners to keep children organized at school. This also works at home to keep the child organized and on track.
5. Organize schoolwork. Schoolwork includes homework, class assignments, notes home to parents and notes about upcoming events. Teach your child to stay organized by keeping each subject in individual folders. Check the backpack nightly, you may find the forgotten note about the PTA/PTO, Field trip, permission slip for music that needed to be signed 2 weeks ago.
6. Establish a homework routine. If your child attends aftercare, most of the time some of the homework may be completed before the child is picked up from after-care. The child would then have another "study hour" at
7. Reward your child - Encourage your child to continue using their morning routine schedule especially if it is helping your child get ready for school in an organized manner.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Time Management for Children
Dear Readers,
This morning when I went to walked by my child’s bedroom, I saw her holding her shoe in her hand. I asked her why her shoe was not on her foot. She replied, “I am trying to get a knot out of my shoestring.” I wondered how long had she been working on this task. I realized then that children get a lot more accomplished when they have a routine. At school, she has a daily routine or schedule. She has an after-school routine, as well as a bedtime routine. It would stand to reason that she should have a morning routine (an organized morning routine.)
In my research I found 3 types of Routine Charts:
Vertical – Pictures are in order from top to bottom
Flip Card – These are made using index cards with a task on each card. Have your child flip the card over after the task is complete.
Horizontal Chart – Pictures are in order from left to right.
This is the routine my child will follow:
• Wake Up from Alarm Clock
• Make Bed
• Get Dressed
• Eat Breakfast
• Clean Up Breakfast
• Brush Teeth
• Get Backpack
• Leave for School
My goal is to reduce stress in my life and teach life skills to my child.
Choose the type that works best for you child, depending on the age and the need of your child.
• Preschoolers between the ages of 3-6: Choose either a vertical routine chart or a flip card picture routine chart.
• School Age Kids and Teenagers between the ages of 6 and up will need to choose their own style of chart that is easiest for them to use.
• If you have a child with Dyslexia, choose a vertical routine chart because they may struggle with concepts from left to right.
• If your child has ADD/ADHD, choose the flip chart routine chart because children with ADD and ADHD get overwhelmed with too much visual stimuli, this type of chart allows him/her to focus on one task at a time.
This morning when I went to walked by my child’s bedroom, I saw her holding her shoe in her hand. I asked her why her shoe was not on her foot. She replied, “I am trying to get a knot out of my shoestring.” I wondered how long had she been working on this task. I realized then that children get a lot more accomplished when they have a routine. At school, she has a daily routine or schedule. She has an after-school routine, as well as a bedtime routine. It would stand to reason that she should have a morning routine (an organized morning routine.)
In my research I found 3 types of Routine Charts:
Vertical – Pictures are in order from top to bottom
Flip Card – These are made using index cards with a task on each card. Have your child flip the card over after the task is complete.
Horizontal Chart – Pictures are in order from left to right.
This is the routine my child will follow:
• Wake Up from Alarm Clock
• Make Bed
• Get Dressed
• Eat Breakfast
• Clean Up Breakfast
• Brush Teeth
• Get Backpack
• Leave for School
My goal is to reduce stress in my life and teach life skills to my child.
Choose the type that works best for you child, depending on the age and the need of your child.
• Preschoolers between the ages of 3-6: Choose either a vertical routine chart or a flip card picture routine chart.
• School Age Kids and Teenagers between the ages of 6 and up will need to choose their own style of chart that is easiest for them to use.
• If you have a child with Dyslexia, choose a vertical routine chart because they may struggle with concepts from left to right.
• If your child has ADD/ADHD, choose the flip chart routine chart because children with ADD and ADHD get overwhelmed with too much visual stimuli, this type of chart allows him/her to focus on one task at a time.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tips Parent-Teacher Conferences
Dear Readers,
It is almost time for Parent-Teacher Conferences. I always have more questions that I think after I leave the Parent-Teacher conference. Here are some tips I use in order to have a successful conference:
Tips for parents when meeting with teachers
1. Be on time you will have probably 10-15 minutes with the teacher.
2. Bring questions – Make a list of questions to ask the teacher about classroom, homework, tests, projects.
3. Address any concerns about child's performance (bring examples of homework, tests, etc.
4. Ask to see examples of homework, classwork, tests that your child has completed. You will be able to see what your child needs help on.
5. Become an involved parent by volunteering at school. Students are more successful if the parent(s) are involved at school.
6. Ask the teacher how you can help your child better meet the learning objectives.
7. Thank the teacher for his/her dedication and hard work teaching your child.
It is almost time for Parent-Teacher Conferences. I always have more questions that I think after I leave the Parent-Teacher conference. Here are some tips I use in order to have a successful conference:
Tips for parents when meeting with teachers
1. Be on time you will have probably 10-15 minutes with the teacher.
2. Bring questions – Make a list of questions to ask the teacher about classroom, homework, tests, projects.
3. Address any concerns about child's performance (bring examples of homework, tests, etc.
4. Ask to see examples of homework, classwork, tests that your child has completed. You will be able to see what your child needs help on.
5. Become an involved parent by volunteering at school. Students are more successful if the parent(s) are involved at school.
6. Ask the teacher how you can help your child better meet the learning objectives.
7. Thank the teacher for his/her dedication and hard work teaching your child.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
6 Questions for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Dear Readers,
Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. You are probably wondering what to ask the teacher during the conference.
Here is a list of questions to ask during the conference:
1. What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year in English, Math, Science, History?
2. How do you inform students about the academic standards they're expected to meet?
3. What kind of projects and assignments have you planned that will help my child meet higher academic standards?
4. How are grades determined in your classroom?
5. What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
6. How can I support teachers' efforts in implementing higher academic standards?
Source: http://school.familyeducation.com
Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. You are probably wondering what to ask the teacher during the conference.
Here is a list of questions to ask during the conference:
1. What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year in English, Math, Science, History?
2. How do you inform students about the academic standards they're expected to meet?
3. What kind of projects and assignments have you planned that will help my child meet higher academic standards?
4. How are grades determined in your classroom?
5. What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
6. How can I support teachers' efforts in implementing higher academic standards?
Source: http://school.familyeducation.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
Favorite Books
Dear Readers,
Does your child have a favorite book that he/she loves to read every day or night? My son's favorite book was "The Gingerbread Man", which became my favorite book also. What would you expect after reading this book every night, I would show him the pictures while I read each page. After a while he had memorized the book and would say the words with me, even though he could not read them at the age of three (3).
Try this for fun:
What you will need:
- construction paper
- cut pictures from a magazine or newspaper
- markers
- glue
- stapler
Steps:
Fold 2 sheets of construction paper and staple them on the crease to make a book.
Let your child pick a title for the book.
Help your child pick out pictures that have to do with the title and glue them into the book.
Let your child share his/her book with a family member or friend.
Does your child have a favorite book that he/she loves to read every day or night? My son's favorite book was "The Gingerbread Man", which became my favorite book also. What would you expect after reading this book every night, I would show him the pictures while I read each page. After a while he had memorized the book and would say the words with me, even though he could not read them at the age of three (3).
Try this for fun:
What you will need:
- construction paper
- cut pictures from a magazine or newspaper
- markers
- glue
- stapler
Steps:
Fold 2 sheets of construction paper and staple them on the crease to make a book.
Let your child pick a title for the book.
Help your child pick out pictures that have to do with the title and glue them into the book.
Let your child share his/her book with a family member or friend.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Plants - Children have green thumbs too
Dear Readers,
Does your child have a green thumb? Try this experiment.
Supplies you will need: 2 small potted plants (use the same type of
plant), watering can, water, pen or pencil, note pad
Steps:
1. Draw a line down the middle of the paper
2. Put plant 1 on one side, Put plant 2 on the other side ( Use plant 1 and 2 because it is a experiment. Do not use names because your child may become attached to the personalized plants
3 Have your child water one of the plants, and do not water the other one for 2 weeks.
4. Each day record changes on the paper if any in the plants. (color plant, physical characterist of plant, soil,)
5. Talk to the plant.
6. At the end of the experiment have your child water the dropping plant.
7. Talk about what happened and why. (Plants usually perk up with water just as children perk up with encouragement, and good words and smiles from parents, other relatives and adults.
Source: These home learning "recipes" have been tested and developed by Dr. Dorothy Rich, author of MEGASKILLS
Does your child have a green thumb? Try this experiment.
Supplies you will need: 2 small potted plants (use the same type of
plant), watering can, water, pen or pencil, note pad
Steps:
1. Draw a line down the middle of the paper
2. Put plant 1 on one side, Put plant 2 on the other side ( Use plant 1 and 2 because it is a experiment. Do not use names because your child may become attached to the personalized plants
3 Have your child water one of the plants, and do not water the other one for 2 weeks.
4. Each day record changes on the paper if any in the plants. (color plant, physical characterist of plant, soil,)
5. Talk to the plant.
6. At the end of the experiment have your child water the dropping plant.
7. Talk about what happened and why. (Plants usually perk up with water just as children perk up with encouragement, and good words and smiles from parents, other relatives and adults.
Source: These home learning "recipes" have been tested and developed by Dr. Dorothy Rich, author of MEGASKILLS
Saturday, September 4, 2010
5 Ways to Build Reading Skills
Dear Readers,
Use these every day activates to help your 4 year old increase reading skills:
1. Read aloud with your child every day.Take time to read 30 minutes a day with your child. You can start by reading 10 minutes a day and increase the time weekly. Read your child’s favorite book or pick out stories that he/she likes.
2. Talk, sing, recite nursery rhymes with your child.
This is an important step in building the vocabulary of your child, this will help to read better. Talk to your child about his/her daily activities.
3. Take your child to new places.
Take your child to new places in the city. Check with your local library to see when the events are FREE. Trips to the park, shops, library, food markets, nature centers, historic buildings, craft fairs, post office, sport events. When you visit these events you will help to build your child’s knowledge of the world around him/her.
4. Check your child’s hearing and eyes.
The eyes and ears are important to the reading process for children.
5.Discover ways to make reading fun. Your local library may have reading and summer reading programs that you can attend. Bookstores are another place that have reading programs for children. Get your child a library card. Borrow books from the local library or even another family and friends member’s library.
Source: Family Education
Use these every day activates to help your 4 year old increase reading skills:
1. Read aloud with your child every day.Take time to read 30 minutes a day with your child. You can start by reading 10 minutes a day and increase the time weekly. Read your child’s favorite book or pick out stories that he/she likes.
2. Talk, sing, recite nursery rhymes with your child.
This is an important step in building the vocabulary of your child, this will help to read better. Talk to your child about his/her daily activities.
3. Take your child to new places.
Take your child to new places in the city. Check with your local library to see when the events are FREE. Trips to the park, shops, library, food markets, nature centers, historic buildings, craft fairs, post office, sport events. When you visit these events you will help to build your child’s knowledge of the world around him/her.
4. Check your child’s hearing and eyes.
The eyes and ears are important to the reading process for children.
5.Discover ways to make reading fun. Your local library may have reading and summer reading programs that you can attend. Bookstores are another place that have reading programs for children. Get your child a library card. Borrow books from the local library or even another family and friends member’s library.
Source: Family Education
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ready for Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Your child should be able to:
1. Match sounds to each alphabet letter.
2. Recognize and use rhyming words.
3. Recognize a few frequently used sight words such as the, and, is.
4. Count, recognize, and write the numbers up to 20.
5. Identify days of the week and seasons of the year.
http://school.familyeducation.com
Your child should be able to:
1. Match sounds to each alphabet letter.
2. Recognize and use rhyming words.
3. Recognize a few frequently used sight words such as the, and, is.
4. Count, recognize, and write the numbers up to 20.
5. Identify days of the week and seasons of the year.
http://school.familyeducation.com
Friday, August 27, 2010
Bathtime game for babies
Dear Readers,
Bathtime can be a fun or fussy time for babies.
Try to acheive a fun bath time by trying this game called All Washed Up.
Talk and sing while bathing you infant in the tub. Sing about the parts of the body you are washing. Sing this song to the tune of "London Bridges Falling Down":
Head, shoulders knees and toes,
Knees and toes, knees and toes,
Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes,
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose.
Bathtime can be a fun or fussy time for babies.
Try to acheive a fun bath time by trying this game called All Washed Up.
Talk and sing while bathing you infant in the tub. Sing about the parts of the body you are washing. Sing this song to the tune of "London Bridges Falling Down":
Head, shoulders knees and toes,
Knees and toes, knees and toes,
Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes,
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Quote of the Day
Dear Readers,
“There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.”
- Isaac D'Israeli
“There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.”
- Isaac D'Israeli
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Develomental milestones for babies
Hello Readers,
The miracle of life is shown through babies. Their sensory development is a miracle in itself. They are able to concentrate on what is important to them, because their eyes can only focus about 8 inches for the first month of life. So all they see is their parents, or caregiver at the time. The baby's hearing is about the same as an adult and they can be startled by loud noises. One fact remains the same, babies know their mothers because their sense of smell is developed for them to identify that. Babies eat and sleep in the first 3 months of life. They are constantly growing and learning as the days go by because smiles and other playfull gestures increase daily. Soon they have reached the 3 month mark and are smiling, recoginzing family members, and delighted to play games because of the attentio given to them.
The miracle of life is shown through babies. Their sensory development is a miracle in itself. They are able to concentrate on what is important to them, because their eyes can only focus about 8 inches for the first month of life. So all they see is their parents, or caregiver at the time. The baby's hearing is about the same as an adult and they can be startled by loud noises. One fact remains the same, babies know their mothers because their sense of smell is developed for them to identify that. Babies eat and sleep in the first 3 months of life. They are constantly growing and learning as the days go by because smiles and other playfull gestures increase daily. Soon they have reached the 3 month mark and are smiling, recoginzing family members, and delighted to play games because of the attentio given to them.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tips to make the new school year go smoothly
Dear Readers,
Here are a few tips to help make your school year go smoothly.
1. Plan your week on the weekend. Make sure everything is ready and in place for Monday - Friday. This will cut down on the morning chaos (missing shoes, belts, coats, etc.)
2. If you carpool make sure you know your route ahead of time, and watch the news for morning traffic.
3.Establish a betime routine and do it every night.
4.Make reading part of the bedtime routine.
5.Limit television on school nights.
Have a fun and safe school year!
Here are a few tips to help make your school year go smoothly.
1. Plan your week on the weekend. Make sure everything is ready and in place for Monday - Friday. This will cut down on the morning chaos (missing shoes, belts, coats, etc.)
2. If you carpool make sure you know your route ahead of time, and watch the news for morning traffic.
3.Establish a betime routine and do it every night.
4.Make reading part of the bedtime routine.
5.Limit television on school nights.
Have a fun and safe school year!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The new school year
Dear Readers,
Well the 1st week of school is behind me. I planned to have dinner ready, homework completed, and get ready for bed routine completed by 8:30 pm. Well, 1:5 days is not a bad ratio. My main goal was for the television to not be turned on and that part was a success 5:5.
This was easier than I thought, I sent family members upstairs if they wanted to watch TV. Television in our house will be limited this year, and more learning combined with fun activities will be forthcoming.
Well the 1st week of school is behind me. I planned to have dinner ready, homework completed, and get ready for bed routine completed by 8:30 pm. Well, 1:5 days is not a bad ratio. My main goal was for the television to not be turned on and that part was a success 5:5.
This was easier than I thought, I sent family members upstairs if they wanted to watch TV. Television in our house will be limited this year, and more learning combined with fun activities will be forthcoming.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The trouble with TV and toddlers
Dear Readers,
Toddlers who watch too much TV may struggle in school.may lower math scores and may get bullied more than other children. They may also weigh more by age 10. The may eat more snacks and drink more soft drinks because they are watching TV. Research has also shown that TV decreases the chances to learn social skills. Pediatrics discourage any screen media exposure during infancy.
After age 2 the toddler should watch less than 2 hours of TV per day. An additional hour each week at 29months equal to 97% drop in classroom attention and a 6% drop in math skills.
Read the entire article at http://wdok.radio.com/2010/05/04/more-tv-for-toddlers-equals-school-trouble-later/
Toddlers who watch too much TV may struggle in school.may lower math scores and may get bullied more than other children. They may also weigh more by age 10. The may eat more snacks and drink more soft drinks because they are watching TV. Research has also shown that TV decreases the chances to learn social skills. Pediatrics discourage any screen media exposure during infancy.
After age 2 the toddler should watch less than 2 hours of TV per day. An additional hour each week at 29months equal to 97% drop in classroom attention and a 6% drop in math skills.
Read the entire article at http://wdok.radio.com/2010/05/04/more-tv-for-toddlers-equals-school-trouble-later/
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer Reading Tips
Dear Readers,
Yes the long hot days of summer are upon us! Remember to include reading material before you complete packing the luggage for Kid's summer vacation at Grandma's house, Dad's house, Momma Sharon's or your favorite cousin's house.
Studies have shown that children experience a loss of reading skills over the summer months, but children who continue to read actually gain skills.
Summer is the time for parents to help children maintain and even increase reading skills, strengthen their vocabulary and reinforce the benefits of reading for enjoyment.
Here are some tips on Summer Reading:
1. Read aloud together with your child every day in doors and outside. My favorite place in the summer was reading under a tree in the shade.
2. Set a good example! Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have family reading time for Mom, Dad, and children.
3. Let kids choose what they want to read, read the same book your child is reading and discuss it.
4. Buy books on tape or check them out at the library. A great time to listen to them is in the car. What a change from the talking and music of the radio.
5. Daily engage in verbal word play, vocabulary building, recognizing new and familiar words or attaching meaning to words and sentences.
6. Take your children to the library and join the summer reading club.
7. Subscribe, in your child's name, to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights for Children, or National Geographic World.
8. Encourage older children to read the newspaper and current events magazines as a way of keeping up the reading habit over the summer and enhancing a growing vocabulary. Ask them what they think about what they've read, and listen to what they say.
9. Encourage pen pals over the summer with friends from school to ease disappointment of summer separation from a favorite school friend.
10. Trips can be a fun way to encourage reading. Ask your children to read traffic signs and billboards aloud. Show them how to read a map, and once you are on the road, let them take turns being the navigator.
11. Encourage children to keep a summer scrapbook. Tape in souvenirs of your family's summer activities - picture postcards, ticket stubs, photos. Have your children write the captions and read them aloud as you look at the book together.
Adapted from "Summer Reading Tips for Parents" by the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities.
Yes the long hot days of summer are upon us! Remember to include reading material before you complete packing the luggage for Kid's summer vacation at Grandma's house, Dad's house, Momma Sharon's or your favorite cousin's house.
Studies have shown that children experience a loss of reading skills over the summer months, but children who continue to read actually gain skills.
Summer is the time for parents to help children maintain and even increase reading skills, strengthen their vocabulary and reinforce the benefits of reading for enjoyment.
Here are some tips on Summer Reading:
1. Read aloud together with your child every day in doors and outside. My favorite place in the summer was reading under a tree in the shade.
2. Set a good example! Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have family reading time for Mom, Dad, and children.
3. Let kids choose what they want to read, read the same book your child is reading and discuss it.
4. Buy books on tape or check them out at the library. A great time to listen to them is in the car. What a change from the talking and music of the radio.
5. Daily engage in verbal word play, vocabulary building, recognizing new and familiar words or attaching meaning to words and sentences.
6. Take your children to the library and join the summer reading club.
7. Subscribe, in your child's name, to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights for Children, or National Geographic World.
8. Encourage older children to read the newspaper and current events magazines as a way of keeping up the reading habit over the summer and enhancing a growing vocabulary. Ask them what they think about what they've read, and listen to what they say.
9. Encourage pen pals over the summer with friends from school to ease disappointment of summer separation from a favorite school friend.
10. Trips can be a fun way to encourage reading. Ask your children to read traffic signs and billboards aloud. Show them how to read a map, and once you are on the road, let them take turns being the navigator.
11. Encourage children to keep a summer scrapbook. Tape in souvenirs of your family's summer activities - picture postcards, ticket stubs, photos. Have your children write the captions and read them aloud as you look at the book together.
Adapted from "Summer Reading Tips for Parents" by the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Comic Strip Writing
Dear Readers,
Comic strips can help with writing. Cut apart the segments of a comic strip and ask your child to arrange them in order. Then ask your child to fill in the words of the characters orally or in writing.
Have your child draw their own comics!
Your child will have written a short story line that can become a paragraph or short story later.
Comic strips can help with writing. Cut apart the segments of a comic strip and ask your child to arrange them in order. Then ask your child to fill in the words of the characters orally or in writing.
Have your child draw their own comics!
Your child will have written a short story line that can become a paragraph or short story later.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Comic Strip Reading
Dear Readers,
I remember as a child the first thing I would read on Sunday morning was the Sunday comics. I think I was drawn to them as a child because of the colorful drawings. In fact, this was the only section of the paper that was available because my mom was looking at the sales papers while my dad read the other sections of the paper.
I quickly saw myself in my daughter when she began reading the comics in the daily newspaper. This alone was enough for me to continue the home subscription instead of the purchasing the online edition. Every morning before we leave for work my daughter runs to pick up the paper out of the driveway and take it to the car. The trip to school takes about 20 to 25 minutes, just enough time for her to read her favorite comics.
I made a mental note to always keep something for her to read in the car. Parents this is the easy way to make sure that your child reads 20 minutes a day.
I remember as a child the first thing I would read on Sunday morning was the Sunday comics. I think I was drawn to them as a child because of the colorful drawings. In fact, this was the only section of the paper that was available because my mom was looking at the sales papers while my dad read the other sections of the paper.
I quickly saw myself in my daughter when she began reading the comics in the daily newspaper. This alone was enough for me to continue the home subscription instead of the purchasing the online edition. Every morning before we leave for work my daughter runs to pick up the paper out of the driveway and take it to the car. The trip to school takes about 20 to 25 minutes, just enough time for her to read her favorite comics.
I made a mental note to always keep something for her to read in the car. Parents this is the easy way to make sure that your child reads 20 minutes a day.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Have you ever wondered if your child is reading to his or her level of achievement? Take a look at these Predictors of Reading Achievement from the National Early Literacy Panel to evaluate your child.
Predictors of Reading Achievement
Six moderate to strong skills predict overall literacy development:
1. Alphabetic Knowledge: knowledge of names and sounds associated with printed letters
2. Phonological Awareness: detecting, manipulating, or analyzing parts of words
3. Rapid Automatic Naming of Letters/Digits: naming a sequence of random letters or numbers
4. Rapid Automatic Naming of Objects/Colors: naming a sequence of random sets of pictures or objects
5. Writing or Writing Name: writing letters in isolation or one's own name
6. Phonological Memory: remembering spoken information for a short period of time
7. Five additional skills are moderate predictors of some aspect of later literacy development:
8. Concepts About Print: knowledge of print conventions (read left to write) and concepts (book cover, author)
9. Print Knowledge: combination of alphabetic knowledge, concepts about print, and early decoding
10. Reading Readiness: combination of alphabetic knowledge, concepts of print, vocabulary, memory, and phonemic awareness
11. Oral Language: producing or comprehending spoken language, including vocabulary and grammar
12. Visual Processing: matching or discriminating visually presented symbols
SOURCE: National Early Literacy Panel
Predictors of Reading Achievement
Six moderate to strong skills predict overall literacy development:
1. Alphabetic Knowledge: knowledge of names and sounds associated with printed letters
2. Phonological Awareness: detecting, manipulating, or analyzing parts of words
3. Rapid Automatic Naming of Letters/Digits: naming a sequence of random letters or numbers
4. Rapid Automatic Naming of Objects/Colors: naming a sequence of random sets of pictures or objects
5. Writing or Writing Name: writing letters in isolation or one's own name
6. Phonological Memory: remembering spoken information for a short period of time
7. Five additional skills are moderate predictors of some aspect of later literacy development:
8. Concepts About Print: knowledge of print conventions (read left to write) and concepts (book cover, author)
9. Print Knowledge: combination of alphabetic knowledge, concepts about print, and early decoding
10. Reading Readiness: combination of alphabetic knowledge, concepts of print, vocabulary, memory, and phonemic awareness
11. Oral Language: producing or comprehending spoken language, including vocabulary and grammar
12. Visual Processing: matching or discriminating visually presented symbols
SOURCE: National Early Literacy Panel
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Home Learning Recipes, Hidden Treasures
Dear Readers,
Try this fun activity with your child now that Springtime is here.
Hidden treasures
What you will need:
2 paper bags
index cards
pen or pencil
Put the names of household items in a paper bag (example: chair, toothpaste, iron, stove, bathtub)
Put the names of the rooms that are in the house on index cards and put them in a different bag. (example: kitchen, living room, den, bedroom)
Have your child pull one index card out of the rooms bags.
Have your child pull one index card out of the household items bag.
Match up the household items with the correct household item room bag.
Source: These home learning "recipes" have been tested and developed by Dr. Dorothy Rich, author of MEGASKILLS
Try this fun activity with your child now that Springtime is here.
Hidden treasures
What you will need:
2 paper bags
index cards
pen or pencil
Put the names of household items in a paper bag (example: chair, toothpaste, iron, stove, bathtub)
Put the names of the rooms that are in the house on index cards and put them in a different bag. (example: kitchen, living room, den, bedroom)
Have your child pull one index card out of the rooms bags.
Have your child pull one index card out of the household items bag.
Match up the household items with the correct household item room bag.
Source: These home learning "recipes" have been tested and developed by Dr. Dorothy Rich, author of MEGASKILLS
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Quote of the Day
Dear Readers,
“You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
- Charlie "Tremendous" Jones
“You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
- Charlie "Tremendous" Jones
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Quote of the Day
Dear Readers,
“When you sell a man a book you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.”
Christopher Morley
“When you sell a man a book you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.”
Christopher Morley
Monday, February 22, 2010
Black History - First Lady Michelle Obama
Dear Readers,
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is the wife of the forty-fourth President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first First Lady of the United States of African-American heritage.
First Lady Michelle Obama was born and grew up in Chicago (south side). She graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She met her husband, Barack Obama while working at a Chicago Law firm. She helped her husband with the campaign for the presidential bid and delivered a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
She has two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Childhood obesity is her first lady's initiative.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Black History - President Barack Obama
Dear Readers,
This month would not be complete without paying tribute to our current president:
Barack Obama, our 44th of the United States. President Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
President Obama has a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University (1983)he also attended Occidental College; and has a Law Degree from Harvard Law School (1991)
He served as an Illinois state senator from 1997-2005; U.S. and as a senator from 2005- 2009 when he was elected president.
His professional history includes jobs as a Financial analyst, Business International Corp., 1983-84; organizer, Developing Communities Project, 1985-88; executive director, Illinois Project Vote, 1992; senior lecturer, University of Chicago Law School, 1993-2004; author.
He is married to Michelle (Robinson) and has 2 daughters Malia Ann and Sasha.
These are the issues he ran his campagian: economy, health care, imigration and global warmng
Source: http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-09-11/news/17120052_1_illegal-immigrants-health-care-political-biography
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Black History - Africian American firsts
Dear Readers,
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American pilots in the U.S. armed forces. Beginning in 1941, select groups of extensively tested and rigorously trained African-Americans were trained at The Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The Tuskegee Airmen are depicted in the G.I. Joe action figure series.
Nathaniel Adams Cole “Nat King Cole” (1919 - 1965), a singer, song writer and pianist, was the first African-American to host a national television program, The Nat King Cole Show, in 1956.
Edmonia Lewis (1844? - ?) was the first professional African-American sculptor, often sculpting courageous and inspirational people such as Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley, President Ulysses S. Grant, etc…
Debi Thomas (1967 - ), the talented figure-skater, is the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the Winter Olympic games (1988). In 2002 Vonetta Flowers (1973 - ) became the first African-American to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympic games.
Richard Theodore Greener (1844 - 1922), was the first African-American graduate from Harvard in 1870. He started out at Oberlin college, the first American college to admit African-Americans and went on to become a lawyer.
Alain Locke (1886 - 1954), a writer, philosopher and intellectual, was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar. A strong supporter of African-American arts, he wrote about the Harlem Renaissance in The New Negro (1925).
Maya Angelou's (1928 - ) autobiographical, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" is the first non-fiction work by an African-American woman to make the best-seller list.
Deford Bailey (1899 - 1982) was a "wizard" at playing the harmonica and was most notable for mimicking the sound of locomotives. He was the first African-American to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and one of the first African-American stars of country music.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American pilots in the U.S. armed forces. Beginning in 1941, select groups of extensively tested and rigorously trained African-Americans were trained at The Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The Tuskegee Airmen are depicted in the G.I. Joe action figure series.
Nathaniel Adams Cole “Nat King Cole” (1919 - 1965), a singer, song writer and pianist, was the first African-American to host a national television program, The Nat King Cole Show, in 1956.
Edmonia Lewis (1844? - ?) was the first professional African-American sculptor, often sculpting courageous and inspirational people such as Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley, President Ulysses S. Grant, etc…
Debi Thomas (1967 - ), the talented figure-skater, is the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the Winter Olympic games (1988). In 2002 Vonetta Flowers (1973 - ) became the first African-American to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympic games.
Richard Theodore Greener (1844 - 1922), was the first African-American graduate from Harvard in 1870. He started out at Oberlin college, the first American college to admit African-Americans and went on to become a lawyer.
Alain Locke (1886 - 1954), a writer, philosopher and intellectual, was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar. A strong supporter of African-American arts, he wrote about the Harlem Renaissance in The New Negro (1925).
Maya Angelou's (1928 - ) autobiographical, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" is the first non-fiction work by an African-American woman to make the best-seller list.
Deford Bailey (1899 - 1982) was a "wizard" at playing the harmonica and was most notable for mimicking the sound of locomotives. He was the first African-American to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and one of the first African-American stars of country music.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Black History - Inventions
Dear Readers,
These are just a few of the little know facts of Black History.
Frederick Jones (1892 - 1961)held over 60 patents with most of them pertaining to refrigeration. His portable air conditioner was used in World War II to preserve medicine and blood serum.
Thomas J. Martin patented a fire extinguisher in 1872.
Joseph Winters invented a fire escape ladder in 1878.
Lonnie G. Johnson (1949 - ), an engineer who performed spacecraft system design for NASA, invented the Super Soaker water gun - the number one selling toy in America in 1991.
John Love invented the pencil sharpener in 1897.
Henry Brown created what is now known as a "strongbox", a metal container to store money and important papers that could be locked with a key in 1886.
Joseph Lee (1849 - 1905) invented a bread-making machine that mixed the ingredients and kneaded the dough in 1895.
Henry Blair (1807 - 1860), the second African-American to receive a patent, invented a corn seed planter in 1834 and a cotton planter in 1836. Blair could not read or write and signed his patent with an X.
Source: http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/101-facts-inventions.jsp
These are just a few of the little know facts of Black History.
Frederick Jones (1892 - 1961)held over 60 patents with most of them pertaining to refrigeration. His portable air conditioner was used in World War II to preserve medicine and blood serum.
Thomas J. Martin patented a fire extinguisher in 1872.
Joseph Winters invented a fire escape ladder in 1878.
Lonnie G. Johnson (1949 - ), an engineer who performed spacecraft system design for NASA, invented the Super Soaker water gun - the number one selling toy in America in 1991.
John Love invented the pencil sharpener in 1897.
Henry Brown created what is now known as a "strongbox", a metal container to store money and important papers that could be locked with a key in 1886.
Joseph Lee (1849 - 1905) invented a bread-making machine that mixed the ingredients and kneaded the dough in 1895.
Henry Blair (1807 - 1860), the second African-American to receive a patent, invented a corn seed planter in 1834 and a cotton planter in 1836. Blair could not read or write and signed his patent with an X.
Source: http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/101-facts-inventions.jsp
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Black History - Buffalo Soldiers
Dear Readers,
Have you ever heard of the "Buffalo Soldiers"? This is the nickname that was given to the Africian-Americian soldiers of the 10th regiment of the U.S. Army by the Native Americans they fought in 1866. The "Buffalo Soldiers" were created by Congress as the first peacetime all black regiment of the U. S. Army.
The "Buffalo Soldiers were also some of the first national park rangers. Buffalo Soldiers from Company H, 24th Infantry Regiment served as park rangers in Yosemite National Park, Sequioa National Park and General Grant Natinal Park. .
(Sources: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Soldier; Yosemite Association: http://www.yosemite.org/newsroom/clips2003/february/020103.htm)
Have you ever heard of the "Buffalo Soldiers"? This is the nickname that was given to the Africian-Americian soldiers of the 10th regiment of the U.S. Army by the Native Americans they fought in 1866. The "Buffalo Soldiers" were created by Congress as the first peacetime all black regiment of the U. S. Army.
The "Buffalo Soldiers were also some of the first national park rangers. Buffalo Soldiers from Company H, 24th Infantry Regiment served as park rangers in Yosemite National Park, Sequioa National Park and General Grant Natinal Park. .
(Sources: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Soldier; Yosemite Association: http://www.yosemite.org/newsroom/clips2003/february/020103.htm)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Black History - Henriett Lacks, Imortal Cells
Dear Readers,
These are the words from my last post:
"The month of February, 2010, B4 Literacy salutes African Americans who have unselfishly helped to make this USA and the world a better place to live."
After reading an article about young black woman named Henrietta Lacks whose cells were essential in developing the polio vaccine and were used in scientific landmarks such as cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization, I have to add these words after the word unselfishly: and unaware .
The article is about a black 30 year woman who has cervical cancer, she goes to the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. On one of her visits in 1951, one of the scientist took a sample of the tumor to another group of scientist who had been attempting to grow tissues. According to the article Henrietta was unaware that the scientist had taken a sample of her tumor to be studied. For 10 years, the scientists had been unsuccessful when they tried to grow tissue in cultures. Henrietta Lacks cells never died…
“Henrietta’s cells were the first immortal human cells ever grown in culture. They were essential to developing the polio vaccine. They went up in the first space missions to see what would happen to cells in zero gravity. Many scientific landmarks since then have used her cells, including cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization.”
Read more about this in the article in the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Henrietta-Lacks-Immortal-Cells.html
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by journalist Rebecca Skloot tells down the story of the amazing HeLa cells, Henrietta Lacks, and documents the cell line's impact on both modern medicine and the Lacks family.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Salute to Black History Month!
Dear Readers,
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if a certain person or certain people had not been born? I often ponder this question for African Americans like Carter G. Woodson, Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Barack Obama to name a few. There are of course many, many, many more African American people that you can think of in your mind that have had an impact on society and set the wheels of change in motion for the betterment of society.
The world has not seen or heard of all the people not just African Americans that will have an impact on the American society and the world.
Every nationality has people from the past, present and will have people in the future that can and will be honored for major accomplishments in order to make the world a better place.
The month of February, 2010, B4 Literacy salutes African Americans who have unselfishly helped to make this USA and the world a better place to live.
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if a certain person or certain people had not been born? I often ponder this question for African Americans like Carter G. Woodson, Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Barack Obama to name a few. There are of course many, many, many more African American people that you can think of in your mind that have had an impact on society and set the wheels of change in motion for the betterment of society.
The world has not seen or heard of all the people not just African Americans that will have an impact on the American society and the world.
Every nationality has people from the past, present and will have people in the future that can and will be honored for major accomplishments in order to make the world a better place.
The month of February, 2010, B4 Literacy salutes African Americans who have unselfishly helped to make this USA and the world a better place to live.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Read 20 Minutes a Day
Dear Readers,
Happy New Year!! Today is the first day of the year and B4 Literacy wants you to get off to a Reading start! Let reading for 20 minutes a day be one of your New Year's resolutions.
Why Your Child Should Read for 20 minutes Every Day
"WHY CAN'T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT?"
LET'S FIGURE IT OUT --- MATHEMATICALLY!
Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all!
Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 min. x 5 times a week = 100 mins./week
Student B reads 4 minutes x 5 times a week = 20 minutes
Step 2: Multiply minutes a week x 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.
Step 3: Multiply minutes a month x 9 months/school year
Student A reads 3600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.
Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten whole school days a year.
Student B gets the equivalent of only two school days of reading practice.
By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain
these same reading habits,
Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days
Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days.
One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so, undoubtedly, will school performance. How do you think Student B will feel about him/herself as a student?
Some questions to ponder:
1. Which student would you expect to read better?
2. Which student would you expect to know more?
3. Which student would you expect to write better?
4. Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?
5. Which student would you expect to be more successful in school....and in life?
(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, America Reads Challenge. (1999) "Start Early, Finish Strong: How to Help Every Child Become a Reader." Washington, D.C.
Happy New Year!! Today is the first day of the year and B4 Literacy wants you to get off to a Reading start! Let reading for 20 minutes a day be one of your New Year's resolutions.
Why Your Child Should Read for 20 minutes Every Day
"WHY CAN'T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT?"
LET'S FIGURE IT OUT --- MATHEMATICALLY!
Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all!
Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 min. x 5 times a week = 100 mins./week
Student B reads 4 minutes x 5 times a week = 20 minutes
Step 2: Multiply minutes a week x 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.
Step 3: Multiply minutes a month x 9 months/school year
Student A reads 3600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.
Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten whole school days a year.
Student B gets the equivalent of only two school days of reading practice.
By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain
these same reading habits,
Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days
Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days.
One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so, undoubtedly, will school performance. How do you think Student B will feel about him/herself as a student?
Some questions to ponder:
1. Which student would you expect to read better?
2. Which student would you expect to know more?
3. Which student would you expect to write better?
4. Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?
5. Which student would you expect to be more successful in school....and in life?
(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, America Reads Challenge. (1999) "Start Early, Finish Strong: How to Help Every Child Become a Reader." Washington, D.C.
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