Guidance Parent Newsletter
1st & 2nd Grade
Hello Parents
My name is Sophia Solano and I am the school counselor for Blessed Trinity. I started in January of last year so I'm still getting to know everyone. I love working at this school and getting to know your children!
My plan for this year is to send a newsletter out at the end of each quarter to discuss different tips and suggestions to help best support your little learner. If you ever have any concerns of questions please feel free to contact me. I am here Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be reached via email at counselor@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org or by phone at 904-641-3837 ext 336
My plan for this year is to send a newsletter out at the end of each quarter to discuss different tips and suggestions to help best support your little learner. If you ever have any concerns of questions please feel free to contact me. I am here Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be reached via email at counselor@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org or by phone at 904-641-3837 ext 336
Tips for 1st Grade Parents
First Grade is a crucial year for academic development. They are transitioning from beginning to read and write to the beginning of being more comprehensive readers and writers. There is much less time for playing and games in first grade and even their classrooms tend to look more mature than what they were used to. They can need a lot of support and guidance to make this transition smooth and successful.
Set up a Designated Study Space
Make sure there's an area of your house just for homework, with all the supplies s/he needs in bins and boxes. Provide plenty of space for books and set up baskets for papers so your child can find old homework to review for tests.
Create a Cubby Hole at Home
Place a crate or sturdy box near your front door so your child can keep their backpack and other school items in one spot. Teach them to put anything he needs for the next day in that place as well. That way, they'll know where their stuff is when they are looking for it.
Set a Good Example
Help your child see the benefits of being disciplined. If you keep things neat and organized in your own life, your child is more likely to follow suit. If s/he has trouble making "to-do" lists, sit down and make one alongside him/her. Seeing you turn off the TV at a regular time to pay bills or even just to read will show them the importance of setting aside time to do things and sticking to it.
TIps for 2nd Grade Parents
Second graders are still getting used to more of the structure and routine that upper elementary school will be like. This is also the first year they will have state assessments and the curriculum starts to pick up pace. Not only is it important to do well academically these are very important years to establish good study habits and character traits.
Set the Stage
Your child needs a quiet, well-lit, clutter- and distraction-free spot to do their homework. This should be the same place every day, whether it is at the kitchen table or at their desk in their room. That means the television is shut off, even for you. In fact, take this time to work on a quiet task of your own, whether it’s paying bills, reading the newspaper, or planning the next day. Make sure all the materials your children need to complete their homework are within arm’s reach, including pencils, paper, crayons, or anything else.
Click here for tips on how to make different homework stations.
Click here for tips on how to make different homework stations.
Time it Right
Homework for young children ideally should be done when your child gets home from school, while the information is still fresh in their minds and when they have ample energy. Have your kids eat a light and healthy snack and talk about their day with you and then have them start their homework. If possible schedule the extra-curricular activities for later in the day so kids can get their homework done first. For beginning learners, now is the time to establish that homework is more important than dance class, soccer practice, karate, or the long list of activities your kids may be involved in outside of school. Remember, they may be too tired after their activities to be able to focus on their work. Bedtime is never the time to rush through homework.
It's not your homework, it's theirs.
Parents need to be involved in homework to see what their child is learning and how well they know what they need to know. Being nearby while they do their homework also allows you to monitor your child’s frustration and encourage breaks when and if they are needed. However, be sure not to do the homework for your children, but guide them if they are struggling. You want them to get that feeling of pride and accomplishment on their own.
Get Excited and be Positive
Let your child know how grown up it is for them to have homework and how proud you are of them. Try to instill in them that it is “fun” to be able to do the assigned tasks. If you view homework as a chore and something that interferes with your personal schedule, your child could start to mimic that behavior. Let them show you their work, praise them for finishing their homework, and always do it with a smile.
Individual Counseling
If you would like for me to meet with your child individually please fill out the form below. This will do directly to only me and I will schedule a time to pull your student from class to review whatever concern you mark. After my visit with your child I will contact you via phone or email.