UCS Family Literacy Connection
Fall 2022
Welcome UCS Families,
The UCS Literacy Department is happy to continue our Family Literacy Connection newsletter for the 2022-2023 school year. In this quarterly communication, you will find book recommendations, literacy tips, fun activities designed for the family, and more. We are partners in the educational success of your children. Your involvement matters!
Enjoy the Autumn season!
Picture Books for All Ages!
Nothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better.
A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'Leary
One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One has many stepsiblings, and another has a new baby in the family.
As her classmates describe who they live with and who loves them ― family of every shape, size and every kind of relation ― the child realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, it is special.
Excellent Ed by Stacy McAnulty
This funny and endearing story offers a subtle look at sibling rivalry and self esteem, and will reassure kids that everyone is excellent at something, and that your family loves you, just as you are.Talking Counts! Building Oral Language & Vocabulary
Most words in a child's vocabulary come from everyday encounters with language. Children pick up language from books, media, and conversations with the people in their lives. Here are some ways you can increase your child's vocabulary and background knowledge, and strengthen the foundation for their reading success.
Most words in a child's vocabulary come from everyday encounters with language. Children pick up language from books, media, and conversations with the people in their lives.
You can increase your child's vocabulary and background knowledge — two important pieces of the reading puzzle — by having conversations with them. Giving children a rich language environment is one of the best ways to build a foundation for reading success.
With young children
- Talk about the things you see in your neighborhood, on trips around town, or on television. These conversations help build a child's understanding of her world.
- When reading, pause to ask questions or comment on the story. Ask, "Why do you think he did that?" or "What do you think is going to happen next?"
- Use interesting and new words with your child. For example, "This cookie is scrumptious! It is really good!" or "I can see you're reluctant to leave, but we can come back tomorrow."
- Tell your children stories from your own life, or about the day they were born. This helps develop their personal and cultural identity.
It doesn't matter what language you use — a rich language environment creates better readers!
CLICK this link for more activities to encourage language development!
Family Fun - Benefits of Family Cooking
There are many benefits to enjoy cooking with loved ones including developing family bonds, building on reading and math skills, and teaches life lessons. Cooking together is an easy way to spend quality time with your children all the while teaching them responsibility as they see real-world application of reading and math skills.
Recipes for Cooking without Fire
Mason Jar Ice Cream
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Additional time: 3 hours
Ingredients:
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1 ½ tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1. In a wide mouth, 16 oz. mason jar, combine the heavy cream, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Place lid on the jar, twist, and close tightly.
3. Have your child shake the mixture for about 5 minutes until the mixtures doubles in size and is opaque in color. When shaken long enough, the mixture should easily coat the back of a wooden spoon.
4. Place the jar in the freezer for 3 hours. Shake every 30 minutes to prevent iciness.
5. Scoop out the ice cream with a spoon and serve with your favorite toppings!
Mind Matters!
Positive Praise
Self-Calming Strategies and Mindfulness
Teaching students self-calming strategies empowers them to recognize and manage their emotions. One of the most powerful self-calming practices is mindfulness. Being mindful is a psychological practice that focuses your thoughts on the present. It encourages you to pay attention to your environment, feelings, emotions and senses. In kids, mindfulness can help them become more self-aware and start to assess how their emotions affect their behavior. Mindfulness is not about “clearing” your mind like some might associate with relaxation techniques. It is more about focusing your mind on your present environment.