Counselor's Corner
From the desk of Miss Eallonardo
A Few Words From Miss Eallonardo
Can you believe that it is December already and we are not only three weeks away from our Winter Holiday, but three weeks from the end of the second marking period? That's right, we are almost to the end of the first half of the school year.
Which means it's time for me to start wearing each of my holiday themed sweaters and outfits! Follow me on Twitter to see each one!
I look forward to seeing all of my students this month!
6 Tips for Teaching Kids Phonics at Home!
What is phonics?
Phonics is knowing that sounds and letters have a relationship. In other words, it is the link between what we say and what we can read and write. Phonics offers beginning readers the strategies they need to sound out words. For example, kids learn that the letter D has the sound of "d" as in "doll." Then they learn how to blend letter sounds together to make words like dog.
Why is it important?
In order for kids to understand what they read, they must be able to do it quickly and automatically, without stumbling over words. Phonics facilitates that process.
How does your child's school teach phonics?
Systematically and sequentially. Teachers give children plenty of practice before moving on. Your child will read short, easy books, containing the particular letter sounds or words they're working on. You can help them practice by providing similar books at home.
Here are more ways you can reinforce phonics learning at home:
- Team up with the teacher. Ask how you can highlight phonics and reading outside of class and share any concerns you have.
- Listen to your child read daily. If your child stumbles on a word, encourage them to sound it out. But if they still can't get it, provide the word so they don't get discouraged.
- Boost comprehension. Ask questions like, "What do you think will happen next?" or "What did he mean by that?" Here are more great questions to ask during story time.
- Revisit familiar books. It's okay if your child wants to re-read favorite books from earlier years. In fact, it's actually beneficial!
- Read aloud. Choose books on topics that excite your child and read with gusto, using different voices for each character.
- Spread the joy. Show your child how much you value reading by having plenty of books and magazines around the house. You'll teach phonics as well as cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
From:
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/developing-reading-skills/teach-phonics-home.html. "Tips for Teaching Kids Phonics at Home", by Scholastic Parents Staff, Scholastic. Accessed on 11/17/20.
Attendance Matters
Since we are currently virtual at the moment, attendance is being handled differently. Here are a few things you need to know:
1. If your child is not able to participate virtually, you will still need to check in with your teacher to let them know that your child is doing school work. If you haven't already, please reach out to your teacher(s) to see how they want to handle your child's attendance.
2. Attendance is the same as if we were in the physical school building: if a child has 10 or more unexcused absences, that child is considered truant. Please make sure to stay in contact with you child's teacher and- if necessary- send in excuses/notes for any days missed.
Miss Eallonardo's Classroom Guidance Schedule
We will be continuing on our journey of learning about feelings! Our next lesson is on understanding the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and actions!
If your child is unable to attend, a video of the lesson can be found in "ItsLearning" for two weeks after the original class took place.
· The morning session will be from 9:00-9:15am. The room opens at 8:55 so I can start letting students in to the Zoom Room.
· https://zoom.us/j/92059988922?pwd=VThLdWpMNkM5OGtFczFFZGxZeGRJUT09
· Meeting ID: 977 4619 9259
· Passcode: Pelican
· The afternoon session will be from 12:50 pm—1:15 pm. The room opens at 12:45 so I can start letting student in to the Zoom Room.
· https://zoom.us/j/92059988922?pwd=VThLdWpMNkM5OGtFczFFZGxZeGRJUT09
· Meeting ID: 920 5998 8922
· Passcode: Pelican
Need an Appointment?
There are several ways to set up an appointment, either for yourself or for your child:
1. Set up a meeting through Calendly.
Using the links below, you can set up an appointment-either for yourself or for your child. Calendly lets you know when I am (or am not) available. You will also be able to choose for me to contact you by phone, Zoom, or Google Meeting.
2. Request an appointment through email or phone call.
3. Have your child’s teacher request the appointment.
Please make sure to give the best time for me to call and the best way to reach you at that time.
Calendly Appointment for Parent/Guardian:
https://calendly.com/pwes_counselor/family
Calendly Appointment for Student:
https://calendly.com/pwes_counselor/kids
Phone(call or text)
(912) 483-8947
Office Hours
Mondays
1:00 pm –3:00 pm
Tuesdays
1:00 pm-3:00 pm and 4:00 pm—6:00 pm
Thursdays
1:00 pm—3:00 pm and 4:00 pm—6:00 pm
Fridays
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Community Resource Information
Þ Gateway Behavioral 912-790-6500
Þ H.U.G.S. (Heads Up Guidance Services) Counseling 912-417-4320
Þ The Front Porch 912-652-6555
Þ ACCESS Mental Health- 912-200- 9818
Þ Chatham Health Dept. 912-356- 2441
Þ Curtis V. Cooper 912-527-1100 Salvation Army 912-651-7420
Þ American Red Cross 912-338-4894
Þ United Way 211 or 651-7700
Þ African American Health Information & Resource Center/St. Joseph (912) 447-6605 www.herohelpme.com