Primer Summer Newsletter
June 14, 2014
Thank you
Thank you continued
Recreating Field Day Games
Inventing a New Game
Adding creativity to carry out a sneak act
Skills and Concepts
Well, wonder no more. Here is what I look for:
First and last name- Have your child write their first and last name. In this assessment, I specifically look for capital letters in the correct places. Often, I will find a stray capital letter in the middle of a child's name. Usually students have never been told that this way is incorrect. By now, they are conditioned that this is okay. If your child, has a random capital letter coach them through writing their name properly. Include different ways to practice such as with sidewalk chalk, painting, writing in the dirt or sand with a stick or with shaving cream on the table.
Concepts of Print- I strengthen a solid foundation by assessing foundations of print. You can see the exact questions I ask and you can also try it with your child. If I find any holes or misconceptions this is usually where I start my instruction. Visit Concepts of Print to learn more.
Numbers An end of the year goal for Primer students is for them to write their numbers to 120 properly. When students enter Primer this is one of the first assessments I do with them. It is common to find reversed numbers or transposed numbers ( 13 for 31). Again, coach students through this issues. It will take patience but every little bit helps.
Writing Sample- Have your child complete a writing sample writing about anything they want, without your help. In this task, I look for a variety of things. First, I look at image and picture correlation. Does the writing support the picture and vice versa? Next, I am looking at letter formation, spaces between words, punctuation and capitalization.
Developmental milestones- Check with your family physician about developmental milestones for your child. Milestones for six-year-olds often include skills like tying your shoes, whistling and skipping. Again, ask your physician for a more precise list.
Phone number and address- During the first month of instruction I will ask your chid to verbally recite their home adress and an agreed upon emergency phone number. You can get a head start by prancing over the summer.
Please do not feel overwhelmed with reading this list. Kids come to Primer to help them build a solid foundation. My goal with giving you this information to to communicate a solid list of concepts and skills.
ESD Library Hours
Primer Library Volunteers
Camp Wonderopolis
Recommended Reads for Parents
Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
I am currently in the middle of this one. This book provides a great framework.
— Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent for The PBS NewsHour
10 Mindful Minutes
" Teaching Our Children to Help Themselves Be Happy
Practical, timely, relevant, and inspiring, 10 Mindful Minutes is Goldie Hawn’s gift to parents who want to help their children learn better and live happier lives.
Inspired by the revolutionary MindUP program, the book offers easy-to-grasp insights from current behavioral, psychological, and neurological studies to show how our thoughts, emotions, and actions—including our ability to focus, manage stress, and learn—are all exquisitely interconnected.
Hawn presents simple and practial ways to develop mindfulness in children and parents alike, and shares her own heartfelt experiences with the challenges and joys of parenting."
How Children Succeed: Git, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
"Why do some children succeed while others fail? The story we usually tell about childhood and success is the one about intelligence: success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter more have to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control."
Summer Pictures
Kids in the Kitchen
Save the Dates
- Monday, August 25- LS School Orientation for New Families and Primer Orientation
- Tuesday, August 26- First Day of School
- Monday, Sept. 1- Labor Day- No School
- Thursday, Sept. 4 Meet & Greet Head of LS 8:15 AM or 12:15 PM
- Sept. 9-11 Individual and Class Pictures at LS
- Tuesday, Sept. 16 New Parent Reception
- Thursday, Sept. 18 LS Back to School Night 4:30-6:30 PM
Allison Hogan
Email: hogana@esdallas.org
Website: http://www.primerattheepiscopalschoolofdallas.com/blog
Location: 4344 Colgate Avenue, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: 214-353-2818
Twitter: @AllisonHoganESD