GETTING EXCITED FOR FIRST GRADE????

Dear Parents,
I am really looking forward to working with you and your children this upcoming school year! I hope that your summer has been relaxing and fun! As I was thinking about getting back to work, I remembered that in the past, parents have called me with questions that I thought were really good to ask! You may already know all of this, but I thought I'd share some of that information that came out of those conversations with you now.

For many students, the transition from a half-day of school to a full-day can be a little intimidating. Some students do cry in the morning, and even right into school. I'd like you to know that I am completely understanding of this situation. It is my number one priority to make all of my students comfortable and relaxed, so I do my best to console those children who have a hard time, and the crying does not usually last too long. I want my students to look forward to coming to school everyday, so I have to give them something to look forward to!

One thing that you can do to help your child have a great start to the school year is be sure that your child is getting enough sleep each night. I just read an article from MedicineNet.com that stated:

We need sleep to think clearly, react quickly, and create memories. In fact, the pathways in the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Studies show that people who are taught mentally challenging tasks do better after a good night's sleep. Other research suggests that sleep is needed for creative problem solving. Skimping on sleep has a price. Cutting back by even 1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day and can slow your response time. Studies also find that when you lack sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. This can result in lower performance on the job or in school and a greater risk for a car crash. (U.S. Dept. of Health & Services, National Institutes of Health)

I want our students to be ready for the day and any of its challenges. I want our students to be able to show exactly what they know and learn as much as they can. I want our students to have the energy to really participate in their own education. I know what I feel like when I don't get enough sleep, and I'm sure you do as well, so setting an appropriate bed-time, getting into a regular night-time routine, and promoting a good night's sleep for your child will pay off! Thanks for taking the time! Now when it comes to us, we aren't so lucky with all of that sleep, but for them, I think we can arrange it! I wish we could ALL get more sleep!!!

Something else that you can do is try to be sure your child has all of his/her school supplies on the first day, Tuesday, August 18th. We will be setting up our desks and talking about which folders stay at school and which ones go back and forth between home and school, etc. , and it just makes the whole process easier for everyone when your child is completely prepared. If you are unable to send all of the supplies on the list, sending 2 folders, some pencils, crayons, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick would be a great start!

Read with your child everyday. I know-if your child attended Dorn for Kindergarten, you already have heard this a million times! Well, what can we say? We know that reading is not only essential in everyday life, but it's fun, entertaining, and a great way to connect with your child. Read books, magazines, the newspaper, etc. to your child and discuss the material. Have your child read to you whenever appropriate and talk about your favorite parts! Stop by your local library and either read inside or check out books that you've always wanted to read. This is it. First grade is a big year. Your child will learn to read this year, and that is not an easy task. Without your support at home, success is not guaranteed. Learning to sound out unfamiliar words and then understand what is being read are the biggest challenges for first graders. This is what first grade Language Arts is all about. If you read with your child, you are absolutely setting your child up to succeed. There are no two ways about it. It just helps.

Well, I hope I haven't stressed anyone out! I just wanted to give you a head start in making this a fantastic year for your child. Please feel free to stop by Room 9 if you are in the building before school starts, as I may be in the classroom, setting up. I can also be contacted through e-mail at kseely@npd117.net or by phone at (708) 233-7877. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns! Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to meeting all of you very soon!

Ms. Seely