Educational Insights: Monday September, 8, 2008
By: Dr. Paula Sissel Superintendent/Elementary Principal
September 08, 2008
Educational Insights
If one subject were to stand out as the cornerstone of all the
others, it would be reading! Most parents probably already know
that nothing will help their child to succeed in school more than
reading. However, in this digital age it can be increasingly
difficult to inspire our youngsters to read outside of school. At
the onset of a new school year, it is a perfect time to set goals
related to reading both in and out of school!
In recognizing how valuable reading is to a child’s future, Garden
County Schools (GCS) has invested in the Accelerated Reader (AR)
program system wide. For the first time, our high school student
body and staff are divided into teams to add a competitive edge to
AR. Junior high and elementary students will receive recognition
for taking AR tests. Check out the local newspaper, our school’s
website, and for notes coming home to share AR progress and
challenges.
Parents and caregivers should stop at nothing to promote reading in
our community and homes! Here are some ideas to build on:
Make reading a daily habit by putting it in your schedule and
modeling reading as adults.
Make sure your child has a library card and visits the library.
Know the books your child and their peers are reading. Ask them
about the contents and why they choose them.
Give your child books as gifts. This portrays the timeless value of
reading.
Read aloud to children for as long as they will listen! The
discussion these read alouds can provide is invaluable.
Limit television and computer time. Time spent on these two
activities reduces reading opportunities, plus limits creativity
and conversation.
Play word games, such as Scrabble, that promote vocabulary in a fun
way. Vocabulary knowledge preempts all other reading skills.
Talk about what your child is reading and how it may connect to
their lives. What do they have in common with the characters? How
do plots develop and conclude? Does good versus evil always
prevail?
Ask your child what they are reading at school. If you have read
the book, share your thoughts and opinions. Find out who your
child’s reading teacher is and seek them out at our first
conference to discuss their progress.
Good reading habits are instilled at an early age. As with all good
habits, they are learned from positive role models. 21st Century
youth are often in need of encouraging when it comes to picking up
a book to read. Reading daily is a wholesome and rewarding habit
that costs little money, only commitment. It is the payoff over
time we are working toward gaining! Whether reading for information
or pleasure, the dividends yielded are incalculable. Thanks for
your investment of time and show of support in the area of
reading.
Garden County Schools is looking for used musical instruments
to
purchase
for our school's rental program! Please call 308.772.3242, if
you
have an
instrument you would like to sell for our students to use. We are
hoping
to increase our band participation and need your help!
