We know first graders move from learning the basics of reading to reading for pleasure. Reading with your child on a regular basis sets them up for improved literacy as well as a stronger personal relationship with you. Knowing your child needs between 911 hours of sleep each night and getting a chance to connect with your children when they are scheduled with so many activities can be tough; there are not that many hours in the day! Try making bedtime that special connection time where you can read and talk one on one with each of your children. It’s a way to sum up the day, their experiences and talk about highlights and lowlights of the day. With multiple children, share this special time with your spouse or alternate nights for each child. Predictable routines are a source for stability and security for children of this age. Your child will respond to the structure you create. In addition, your teachers want you to know that the a big teaching tenet of first grade outside of their academics is independent self care. Partner with the teacher in encouraging your child to complete their own self care doing activities like dressing (especially for the outdoors in winter), taking their dishes to the dishwasher, and even opening food packaging to their best ability. Giving your children age appropriate chores are a good way to build their sense of belonging. You’re never sure what you will find when you check your child’s backpack daily. It helps to keep a finger on the pulse of what is going on in the classroom and the teachers often send communication home in the backpack. Communicating with the teacher and developing a working relationship with him or her will enhance yours and your child’s experience in school. A positive partnership between home and school can only lead to greater success for your child. For more on developmental stages and parenting information, contact your Thrive Parent Liaison, Lori Swenson at [email protected] or 9954281. SUMMER MATH AND READING Ask your child’s teacher what DRA level or Lexile number your child has achieved and the librarian at the Big Sky Community Library can make recommendations for reading over the summer. In addition, Mrs. House has sent out Summer Reading Program packets to all K-4 students. See below for more information: Join the Summer Reading Program at the Big Sky Community Library: http://www.bigskylibrary.org/children.htm Free printables by age group: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/more-printables/free-printables-all-ages A plethora of resources to prevent the summer slide: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/summer-learning-resources-matt-davis http://www.edutopia.org/blog/resources-prevent-summer-slide-matt-davis Summer reading by grades: http://imaginationsoup.net/2015/05/03/summer-reading-list-for-kids/ Summer learning- reading, math and science: http://school.familyeducation.com/summer/family-learning/36089.html All ages summer learning resources: http://www.parent.co/37-ingenious-summer-learning-resources-for-your-kid/ Fun free math games online from addition to algebra: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm Free math games K-12: http://www.hoodamath.com/ Free Math practice with video tutorials: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Cool Math Games: http://www.coolmath-games.com/ Math Games online: http://www.mathgames.com/ Math Games online: https://www.sumdog.com/ Another plethora of math resources for your child to dig into math (esp. middle and high school kids): http://www.edudemic.com/top-10-free-math-resources-web/ Math reading: http://www.nctm.org/News-and-Calendar/Messages-from-the-President/Archive/Linda-M_-Gojak/MySummer-Math-Reading-List/ PBS Kids Learning Resources: http://pbskids.org/learn/naturecat/ http://www.education.com/summer-reading/ http://pbskids.org/learn/readyjetgo/
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz