We want your child to
have the greatest success in school. Parents often aren't quite sure what to do
or how to help their son/daughter improve their overall success in school. The
following are some ideas on how you can support your child as they move through
the different grades:
Reading :
The number one way that
parents can help their children is to read to them or to encourage older
students to read on their own. Studies show that any kind of reading is valid.
It can be a simple or more complex chapter book, graphic novel, comic, or non
fiction information book. Encourage at least 20 minutes of reading above grade 3
per night. For very young students reading to them or having them tell you the
story through the pictures is an effective way to build literacy
skills.
As good readers we are
able to summarize the information, we can identify the beginning, middle and end
of stories, we form connections to the material, we ask questions about
characters, setting or the topic in a non fiction work, and we can visualize a
story in our mind. As children advance they are able to make inferences and can
articulate how the reading has transformed their thinking.
A great strategy for
developing reading skills is to have the students keep a journal of what they
have read. They can reflect on the reading and respond in any of the ways
mentioned: summary, connection, question, visual picture, etc. Very young
children could draw a picture of their favourite part of the story.
Writing :
Write anything and
often! This is an area where all students can use some extra practice. Write for
a specific purpose: lists, letters, and cards. Keep a personal journal and write
about your day. Keep a list of topics and pick a different topic each time.
Write on a computer to get assistance with editing.
Writing topic Ideas
For very young students, forming letters and writing simple sentences, even with invented spelling, helps to foster writing skills.
Writing worksheets/frames
Math :
Numeracy skills can be
supported at home by sharing real life math problems with your children: making
change, measurement, and cooking all involve math skills. Practicing facts and
math concepts through online games is a fun way for children to develop their
skills and understanding. The following are just two used by teachers in the
school.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/index.htm
French :
It is very important to continue to practice French
language skills at home. Watching French television and movies, in addition to
listening to French radio, help to develop language skills. the following
websites have information and resources to support French learning, but there
are many more:
Canadian Parents for French
French - online
Duolingo