Magee Friday Night News
January 17th, 2020
No School Monday
Thank You Magee PTO
Retraining the brain of our youth
1. Technology
Using technology as a "free babysitting service" is in fact not free. When kids come to the classroom, they are exposed to human voices and adequate visual stimulation as opposed to be being bombarded. Technology also disconnects us emotionally from our children and families.
2. Kids Get Everything the Moment They Want it
The ability to delay gratification is one of the key factors for future success. Our children are gradually becoming less equipped to deal with even minor stressors.
3. Kids Rule the World
"He doesn't like to eat breakfast," or "She doesn't like toys, but is really good on the I-pad," are examples of kids making decisions that should be made by an adult. What good are we doing by giving them what they WANT when we know that it is not GOOD for them? The concept of "need to do" needs to be reinforced. "You need to eat some breakfast" or " we are not doing electronic's at this time" are examples of adults making the best choice for their child.
4. Endless Fun
We have created an artificial fun world for children. There are no dull moments. This is basic monotonous work that trains the the brain to be workable and function under "boredom" which is the same muscle that is required to be eventually teachable at school. Household chores, creative play and assigned responsibilities will fill this void.
5. Limited Social Interaction
We are all busy, so we give our kids digital gadgets, and make them "busy" too. Kids used to play outside, where, in unstructured natural environments, they learned and practiced their social skills. Unfortunately, technology replaced the outdoor time.
Train the Brain
You can make a difference in your child's life by training your child's brain so that your child will successfully function on social, emotional and academic levels.
1. Limit technology and reconnect with your kids emotionally.
2. Train delayed gratification.
3. Set limits.
4. Teach your children to do monotonous work like laundry, cleaning, setting the table.
5. Teach social skills.
Want the full article, click here.
January Title 1 Tip
CAFÉ Strategy: Cross Checking
Dear Families,
As your child is progressing through the year, we would like to update you with another CAFÉ strategy to reinforce at home. CAFÉ is an acronym that stands for Comprehension (I understand what I read), Accuracy (I can read the words), Fluency (I can read smoothly and understand what I read), and Expanding vocabulary (I know, find, and use interesting words).
The strategy cross checking is introduced as a part of the accuracy portion of the CAFÉ Menu. When reading a book, you will come across a word or two you are unsure of. You will probably use the accuracy strategy of cross checking without even thinking about it. Accuracy is not second nature to children learning to read. It needs to be taught using a variety of strategies.
Your child has been introduced to the accuracy strategy. It is important to slow readers down when they come to a word they don’t know and teach them to apply the strategy cross checking so they are able to fix the meaning and not just skip the word. Cross checking requires a person to constantly think and monitor meaning. It is a strategy for ensuring the words and pictures read make sense and match the letters on a page.
How to help your child with the cross checking strategy at home:
1. Listen to your child read. When he/she comes to a word he/she is unsure of, remind him/her to cross check, Ask:
Does the word you are reading match the picture or letters written? (they cross their right arm over their body)
Does it sound right?
(their left arm crosses over their body making an X)
Does it make sense?
(both arms come down with hands pointing to the ground)
Video of cross-checking (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzoD_SIM27c)
Thank you for your continued support!
Important dates
Jan 20th- No School, end of the quarter
Jan 21st- 2nd semester milk starts
Jan 24th- Report Cards go home
Feb 17th- No school
Feb 20th- Dental Health Presentation
Feb 27th- PTO Family Bingo Night
Feb 28th- Mar 6th- Reading Celebration Week
Mar 11th- Folk Dance Festival @ Magee
March 13th- No School
March 16th-20th- No School Spring Break
Employment Opportunities
Please contact our central office at 793-4560 or stop by at 4521 Lincoln Ave to fill out an application.
Do you Shoparoo?
Want more info? Click here for Shoparoo.