It’s back-to-school season and no matter how old your child is, the transition can be intense. It’s filled with nerves, excitement, and often big adjustments. Whether your child is starting a new school or a new grade, use these tips to make the transition as smooth as can be: Read Books It can be tricky to spark conversations about back-to-school feelings, but books are a great jumping off point. Check out these 5 Books to Ease Back-to-School Nerves and pick a few to share with your child. … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right School (Or No School At All)
When I was teaching kindergarten, every fall parents would come and tour our school to decide if they would choose to send their child there. Week after week I would sit with them during recess and different groups of parents would ask the same questions: Do kindergarteners get homework? Do they have time for free play? How do you resolve conflicts? Now that my daughter is entering kindergarten in the fall, I’ve been on the other side of these tours. I’ve been visiting local schools and … [Read more...]
5 Books To Ease Back-to-School Nerves
My daughter is starting preschool in September and lately she has been talking a lot about school. But recently it hit me that she really doesn’t know what happens at school. She’s visited the school I used to teach at and some of my friends’ classrooms, but hasn’t had any firsthand experience being a student. So how am I getting her prepared? By reading lots of books! For any kind of life transition, I think books are answer. Through reading, kids can explore and prepare for new situations … [Read more...]
How in the World Do Kids Learn to Read?
Today I observed a 7th grade class made up of students I had taught in kindergarten. As they all settled in for silent reading, I was amazed. “Oh my God,” I thought, “They all learned how to read!” Seeing how these kids had grown up to become fluent and engaged readers was both inspiring and incredibly reassuring. Teaching kindergarten, the range of reading skills among students was always striking. Some students entered kindergarten reading chapter books, while others struggled to recognize … [Read more...]