Launching Learners
Ridgedale Elementary Family Engagement-February 2023
3, 2, 1...Blast Off!
We Need Your Help!
English Language Arts
Student Reading Strategies
Read Along With Us!
Practice Blending Nonsense Words
Can You Sort These Words Correctly?
Math
Challenge yourself with these math games and problem solving puzzles!
Science
Stem Challenge
Try These Science Experiments Perfect for February!
Learn How to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!
Social Studies
Test your knowledge about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington
Did You Know?
Learn More about Black History Month
Tech Talk
Practice Your Typing Skills!
Being Safe Online
Learn About the Cyber-Five Rules!
Art Corner
Valentine Drawings
Enjoy these two guided drawings!
Supplies Needed:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons, markers or colored pencils
- Each video will tell you specific colors needed
Fitness Fun!
Power Hour Program Updates
This month in POWER Hours, students have started doing Mind Mazes! Let me tell you, these are not sit down at the table and let your pencil guide you type of mazes. Students are moving their bodies while they rewire their brains with these mazes! This program is from an Indiana company called Minds-In-Motion, and the training was so eye-opening. As a 21st Century staff, we are so excited to bring this program to Ridgedale. These mind mazes are specifically designed to challenge students to move in ways that can support and develop their vestibular systems. Did you know that spurring the physiological development of balance in children can in fact lead to measurable gains academically, socially, behaviorally and academically? Minds-In-Motion has done extensive research and has found that physical movement in school can bring about the following benefits:
Positively affect the portion of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Reduce anxiety and depression.
Improve connections between nerves in the brain, thus improving attention as well as information-processing skills.
Build strong bones and muscles.
Decrease the likelihood of developing obesity and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain, improving mental clarity.
As you can see, physical movement is critical for children in more ways than one. When students spend excessive amounts of time on screens, not only do their bodies suffer, but their minds and emotions as well. There are so many fun ways that kids can improve their vestibular systems on their own as well. Spending time swinging, climbing, running, balancing on things, and jumping are simple ways to develop this tiny muscle in the ear. Encourage your child to put the screen down and get moving; if they don’t want to, go outside with them and find some fun things to do. Your body and your mind will thank you later!
Second Step Family Communications
Parent Tips
Conversation Starters
What was the best day so far out of your first 100 days?
If you had 100 of something what would you want to have?
What heart words did you learn this week?
What new spelling patterns did you learn this week?
Can you show me how to do one of the Phonemic Awareness skills you did today?
What letter are you learning to write in your handwriting book today?
What part of your day made you smile?
What is your number corner pattern this month?
What are you collecting for Number Corner this month?
How did you do on your Mastery Check this week?
Upcoming Family Events at RES
March 18 Spring Fling Dance (See below for more info)
March 30 2/3 Spring Program @6:30 p.m.
April 3-6 Book Fair
April 4 Kindergarten Expo (See below for more info)
April 4 Right to Read Celebration Night
Library Night
It was great to see so many families at the Marion Public Library! Enjoy your new library cards and the awesome books you were able to check out! Students were also able to create a fun craft with RES and MPL staff members. Were you there? Look for your picture below!
We hope to see you all at our next library night!