January 2015 'rolls' in!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! That's what some of the students may be saying as they had their first session with Alien In-line Skating.  Bringing this company to the school in the winter months has almost become a tradition.  The instructor spends a full week with the students, offering 2 or 3 hours per class of instruction and practise.

It's all about safety first!  The students start off by putting on their helmets, knee pads,

elbow pads and wrist guards.

They learn to help each other.  Moms and Dads, these little ones are completely capable!  When it's summer time, give them the responsibility to do it on their own.  Your job is to check AFTER they have had the chance to show what they can do independently.  There was one little girl who wanted an adult to dress her.  Sadly, she didn't think she could do it.  Don't rob your child of that wonderful feeling of pride for an accomplishment done on their own!

All suited up and learning how the feet will move...

and what to do if you feel like you are going to fall!

(Hint:  you touch your knees!!!)

In the class, there were three children who had never been on roller blades before!  How exciting to know they could do it by the end of an hour!  In this photo, they are getting extra support in the middle, as the others practise on their own.

Hard to catch a photo, as they were zipping along so fast!

This smile is for our new focus on the stories written by Arnold Lobel...

Frog and Toad!

The stories should be at a reading level that no one finds it difficult to read the words.  Instead, we are focusing on the thinking part  of reading.  What is happening What might happen next What does this mean  What would you do in this situation  Has this ever happened to you  (Sorry, computer settings won`t let me make a question mark!)

The students are going to focus on comprehension.  You aren`t really reading, if all you can do is say the word!  You have to know what you are reading about.

I hope you see a difference in how your child interacts with stories because of the work they are doing in the class right now.