1. Read with your child!
This is one of the most important things you can do with your child this year. Read with your child at least fifteen minutes every day. Help your child's reading skills by asking him/her to identify words. Help your child's comprehension levels by asking him/her what might happen next in
the story. Make sure to set aside time for reading every night. That way, your child will know that education is important to you.


2. Work with your child on flashcards!
Flashcards are great for fact memorization. Find out from our class home page what math facts your child is learning in class, and either make cards or buy cards. You can make cards with index cards and a marker - but make sure you remember to put the answer on the back so your child can do these independently! Also, check to make sure that the marker you are using does not run through the back, making the answer obvious from the front. Light colored flashcards work best for hiding the answer.

Reading flashcards are also great for building and improving skills. You can buy sight word flashcards, or you can ask Mrs. Klopping to send you a list of basic sight words that will help your child read better.


3. Limit television and video game time!
I cannot stress this enough. As one of the oldest members of the video game generation, I understand how difficult it is to limit your own time on video games. As your child's parent, it is up to you to enforce time limits. I suggest that you allow no more than half an hour per day total of video game time and television time on weekdays. Of course, educational reading and math software programs are great for many students. If you would like a list of my recommended software choices, contact Mrs. Klopping. If you aren't sure if your child's games are educational, e-mail me or give me a call at Rio Vista.

Video games and television take precious time away from time in which your child can be practicing flash cards, reading, doing homework, or
playing outside. Children love playing them, however, and so I do suggest using video games and television as a reward for good behavior or good
grades.



4. Help your child with his/her homework.
First Grade curriculum is tough, much tougher than it was when you and I were first graders, thanks to our new state academic standards. You will be surprised and pleased by what your child will be able to do by the end of this year. By the end of this year, your child should have memorized the addition and subtraction facts using numbers 0-20, complete double digit addition problems, tell time to the quarter hour, count money to one dollar, and solve simple fraction problems, among other things in math. Your child is expected to grow fourteen levels in reading this year (if your child left
Kindergarten with a level of 1). As you can tell, there is a lot of work to be completed, and much of it will be difficult. Please help your child with his or her homework... it will be one of the best gifts you can give your child this year.