Words Matter

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As parents and even teachers, it can be easy to default to certain phrases that we heard as children. Research has shown over the years that words truly matter and some slight changes can completely change the outcome that we’re looking for. Here are some examples. 

Instead of:                                                               Try:

“Be quiet.”                                                                “Can you use a softer voice?”

“What a mess!”                                                         “It looks like you had fun! How can we clean up?

“Do you need help?”                                                 “I’m here to help if you need me.”

“I explained how to do this yesterday.”                     “Maybe I can show you another way.”

“Do I need to separate you?”                                    “Could you use a break?”

“Stop crying.”                                                            “It’s okay to cry.”

“Do you have any questions?”                                 “What questions do you have?”

“You’re okay.”                                                            “How are you feeling?”

“It’s not that hard.”                                                    “You can do hard things.”

 

Which ones will you try with someone you love today?

10 Great Summer Read Alouds

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Reading out loud to your child can not only be a great way to bond, but it can be a great way for your child to learn to read or hold on to those skills they learned this past year and avoid the summer slide. Here are some great books that your child might enjoy. 

  1. Holes By Louis Sachar (Ages 10+)
  2. Charlotte’s Web By E. B. White (Ages 8+)
  3. The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett (Ages 7+)
  4. James and the Giant Peach By Roald Dahl (Ages 6+)
  5. The Giver By Lois Lowry (Ages 10+)
  6. The Harry Potter Series (Ages 9+)
  7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl (Ages 8+)
  8. Because of Winn-Dixie By Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8+)
  9. The Boxcar Children By Gertrude Chandler Warner (Ages 6+)
  10. Where the Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverstein (Ages 4+)

Tips to Help Support Your Child in Math

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Math can be a difficult subject for many. However, there are many things that parents can do at home to help foster a love for math and improve skills. 

  • Familiarize yourself with what your child is currently learning
  • Let your child help with cooking and baking
  • Play math games at home (see your child’s teacher if you don’t have any)
  • Allow your child to play math games on the computer such as www.prodigy.com and www.adaptedmind.com 
  • Access Kahn Academy for math lessons that can help students with their homework
  • Have your child help you with the grocery shopping (adding prices, making change, etc.)
  • Encourage them to do some math everyday 

Kindergarten Registration

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East Guernsey is preparing to welcome new kindergarten students in the fall. The kindergarten registration process begins online. Parents who have children already attending East Guernsey will be able to log into the parent portal and link their kindergarten student. 

There is only one requirement for enrolling into kindergarten: All kindergartners must be at least five years of age on or before August 1, 2022. 

Kindergarten registration is a time when students are “signed up” for school. This is what you will need to provide. 

  • Original Birth Certificate
  • Immunization Records
  • Proof of Residence (i.e., utility bill with current name and address)
  • Custody paperwork, if applicable (complete copy must be presented)

Kindergarten screening dates will be in the fall, but they have not been set yet. More information regarding kindergarten screening will be given to parents as it becomes available. Please contact the office if you have any questions.

The Benefits of Reading Books

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It is our goal that every student develops a passion for reading. We provide many opportunities on a daily basis for students to be exposed to a variety of texts. Every once and awhile, we are faced with the question, “Why do we have to read?”  Here are a variety of ways to answer this question.

  1.     Reading exercises your brain.
  2.     Reading increases your ability to empathize with others.
  3.     Reading improves concentration and focus.
  4.     Reading helps develop creativity.
  5.     Reading is entertaining.
  6.     Reading provides knowledge and information.
  7.     Reading enriches language and vocabulary.
  8.     Reading reduces stress and puts you in a better mood. 

Tips for Making Praise Matter

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Praising children is very important whether you are a teacher or a parent. Here are some tips that will help make praise mean more to the child.

  1. Be Specific. “Good job, Johnny” is not specific and can be said to anyone for any reason. “Johnny, I noticed that reading that paragraph was tough, but you took your time and tried your best, nice job.” This is specific enough so that Johnny knows that you mean it and it is real.
  2. Give praise when you really mean it. This teaches children that you recognize when a task is tough for them. It also helps them value the praise that you give.
  3. Quality over quantity. Praising too much can cause a child to feel belittled and actually achieve lower. Give specific praise when praise is due instead of meaningless praise often.