Word Work

This week they began learning our last literacy rotation "word work". They have LOVED getting to explore each fun way we can work on learning to spell words and deepen our alphabetic knowledge. 

Race Track!

Tips #1

Oh yes we do!! Last Wednesday at our "No Parent Left Behind" Class, we asked the parents to complete a survey in which we asked "What would you like more information about?" We had an overwhelming number of parents say "more easy tips to do with my child at home." That is music to my ears! So...I'll be using my blog to post some fun, easy and quick things to do with you Kindergartner.

1. The above picture is example #1! Have them use a highlighter to highlight "popcorn" words in newspapers, magazines, flyer's, junk mail, etc.

2. Magnet letters-stick them on the refrigerator and while you're cooking you can give them popcorn words to spell or easy 3 letter words like cat, bat, cup, map, etc.

3. Sorting-have your child help you sort objects, laundry, dishes and be sure you are telling them HOW you are sorting (shape, color, size, length, etc.)

4. Gross motor- watch out for "W" sitting. This is when they are sitting on the floor with their legs to the side (hint-it looks like a "W"). They are sitting this way because they have not developed enough muscle strength in their core to hold themselves up! How to fix it- mermaid sitting (legs to the side), exercise ball activities, or legs straight out in front. Be watching and correcting when they are playing video games, watching TV, etc.

5. Fine motor- when holding a pencil they should be using their thumb and pointer finger to pinch and their middle finger underneath (to stabilize the pencil) or pinching with all 3 of those fingers. I tell my kids "pinch, flip and grip" to find their correct grip. Ways to build fine motor muscles-have them use tweezers, hole punchers and silly putty!

6. Reading (my favorite!)- ENGAGE your child during your reading time together...this is how they are learning to comprehend. Ask them to tell you the characters, setting, or stop at the climax and ask them to guess what is going to happen next in the story and why.

Hope this helps...I'll send more easy things in the next few weeks!