Home and School Connection Tips for Reading

• Falling for Reading ~ Cozy fall evenings are perfect for curling up with a book. As the cooler weather and shorter days bring your child inside earlier, take advantage of the time to get him hooked on reading.
• Story Hour ~ Read aloud to your children. Try choosing a book that’s slightly harder than one he can read on his own. The more complex plots and bigger words will stretch his comprehension skills and vocabulary. Plus, getting a sneak peek at what older kids are reading is a real motivator.
• A Family Habit: Promote regular reading with a “What We’re Reading” bulletin board. Provide sticky notes, and have each family member post a note to let everyone know what’s on his reading list. When others are reading, your child will want to read also!
• Note: Guarantee your child a steady supply of fresh reading material by taking him to the library often.

Families that Play Together
How can your buy family find ways to spend time together? Here are a few suggestions:

• Celebrate each new season: you might toast pumpkin seeds and sip warm apple when autumn begins. Hide acorns and walnuts around your living room, and have your children pretend to be squirrels and search for them.
• Get fit together: Walk or bike with your children to school. Find an indoor pool and enjoy a “Saturday morning swim." Rent a video to learn hip-hop or swing dancing.
  

- Adapted from Home & School Connection 10/08

Halloween Safety Tips

• Children should go out during daylight hours unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Do not allow children to eat any candy until you are able to properly inspect it.
• Have your child carry a flashlight, glow stick or put reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
• Older children who are able to go “trick or treating” in a group should be advised to plan a safe route with parents and set a specific time for their return home.
• Instruct your children not to cut through back alleys or fields and to stay in well-lighted areas.
• Instruct your children to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
• For small children, place an emergency identification information tag discreetly inside their clothing in case they become separated from the group.
• Discuss with your children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
• Clear your yard and sidewalk of obstacles or decorations that are difficult to see in the dark.

Setting goals

Here is a quote to consider as we begin our first quarter:

Beginning with the end in mind is like reading a recipe before you start baking cookies. It's knowing what you want to accomplish (your goal) and figuring out how to get there (your plan).

What are your goals this year?

Our First Units

Our first units for the year are as follows:

• 6th grade: Response to Literature Genre Study
• 7th grade: Gary Soto Author Study
• 8th grade: Walter Dean Myers Author Study

The 7th and 8th grade SP classes are completing different units:

• 7th grade: Water Dean Myers Author Study
• 8th grade: John Steinbeck Author Study