March 16 - 20

Hints for 

helping 

your child

sound out

words 

1. High-Frequency Words -
If the word is a high-frequency word (such as, is, of, or could), say the word and explain that it doesn't follow the rules.  It just needs to be memorized. 

2. First Sound - Have your child say the first sound in the word and make a guess based on the picture or surrounding words. Double-check the printed word to see if it matches the child's guess. 

3. Sound and Blend - Have your child say each sound separately (sss  aaa  t). This is called "sounding it out", and then say the sounds together (sat). This is "blending".

4. Familiar Parts - When your child starts reading longer words, have him notice the parts of the word that he already knows. For example, in a word such as presenting, your child may already know the prefix pre, the word sent, and the word ending ing.

March 9 - 13

Spring Break in Chicago: 20 Things To Do

A few of the suggested ideas among the 20:  visit a museum or two, go on a walk, dive into history, live theatre, see some animals, etc.  You might like to take advantage of the fabulous area we live in and explore part the Midwest we are studying in Social Studies!   Chicago Parent Spring Break Ideas 

March 2 - 6

Be a Critical Reader 

by Reading Connection

March 2015

"I wonder what that character is thinking."  "Hmm, how did the author pick the setting for this story?"  Critical readers think about things like this when they read.  These activities can help your youngster practice reading critically at home.

Hold Imaginary Conversations

  If Peter Rabbit could chat with Curious George, what would he say?  What would a conversation between Miss Frizzle and Encyclopedia Brown sound like?  Read two books with your child.  Then, each of you should pick a character to be, and carry on a conversation.  Idea:  Suggest that your youngster use what he knows about the characters (Peter and George tend to get into trouble) to predict what they'll discuss (ways to stay out of trouble).

Switch the Setting

  Encourage your youngster to think about how a book's plot and setting are related.  Read a story to him, and have him draw a picture of a new setting for it.  Maybe he'll draw Encyclopedia Brown solving a mystery in a desert or on a cruise ship instead of in the town of Idaville.  Idea:  Ask him to retell the story to you using the new location.  He will see how changing the setting affects the story.  

Know the Author

  Let your child get several books by the same author.  As you read them together, talk about what they have in common.  ("The main character in all of her books is an animal.")  What can your youngster guess about the author based on her books?  For example, she probably likes animals, and maybe she has pets or has lived on a farm.  Idea:  Look up an author online or read the "About the Author" section in a book to learn about her life.