November Letter

Dear Parents,

The month has just flown past.  Kindergarten is getting exciting and the kids are ready to start reading and writing!

Here’s how you can help at home.

I will be sending home one or two books a week.  These are photocopied books that you can keep.  Try to find a special place to keep these books, perhaps a shoebox or something similar.  These books will seem easy to you, with just one sentence on a page and a repeating pattern.  Here are some tips to try as you read these books with your child.

*Encourage your child to point to each word.

*Ask your child to find specific words on each page.

*Ask your child to tell you what the book is about.

*When your child gets stuck on a word, look at the first letter and ask him or her to tell you the sound.

When you are reading your child’s favorite books at home, ask your child to retell the story, or talk about his or her favorite character.  Talk about how the pictures help tell the story.  Pay attention to who the author and illustrator are, and try reading some books by the same author or illustrator.

Encourage your child to write the names of family members, or help with a grocery list, telling you the sounds in the words he or she hears.

If you would like more hints or ideas, let me know.  Enjoy this exciting time in your child’s life.