Strengthen Academic Skills…
Determining Importance
When we read it is important to think about the main ideas and main
events within the text. When reading fiction selections, students
should be able to discuss the characters (who the selection is about),
the setting (where & when the selection takes place), the problem and
the solution. When reading nonfiction selections, students should pay
attention to the text features to help them determine the important ideas in the text. Text features
include things such as titles, headings (smaller titles within the text), captions (complete sentences
that describe a photograph/picture), labels (words that point out parts of a photograph/picture) and
glossary (includes definition of important words within the text). When reading with your child at
home, use the following sentence starters to help your child determine the important ideas within
the text:
 “The most important ideas are…”
 “So far, I have learned that…”
 “This paragraph/selection is mostly about…”
Problem Solving: What & Why?
One of the main reasons for studying mathematics is to develop the ability to solve problems.
Problem solving is the process of applying what we already know to new and unfamiliar situations.
This ability is not only critical to our children’s future needs, but also to a productive society and
human progress itself. In these early years, children develop attitudes and beliefs as to their ability
to learn mathematics. By learning mathematics through problem solving, children can make sense
of why they need to know their basic facts.
How Can Parents Help?
• Be enthusiastic. Let your child see how excited you are about solving a problem.
• Provide time and talk about problem solving. Be patient with your child. Let them work at their
own pace. Talk, talk, talk! Talk about options, strategies and ideas for problem solving.
• Reinforce risk taking. Children need a great deal of security to risk being wrong. When they
begin to realize that they can learn from their mistakes they will try harder to complete the
problem.
• Reward perseverance. Instant success is not always possible in learning mathematics. Encourage
children to keep trying by asking them questions that will lead them in the right direction.
• Use children’s experiences. As often as possible, base problems on children’s everyday
experiences at school and at home.
Save the Date!
Title I Literacy Night!
When: Wednesday, April 5th
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Elementary Gymnasium
Fun for the whole family!
Come have a snack and
participate in literacy
themed activities! Visit the
Scholastic Book Fair too.
Every student will receive a
free gift!
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
- Nelson Mandela