PHONICS

In phonics we are focusing on blending and segmenting words. We are focusing on three letter words. Have your child practice this at home by having them sound out simple three letter words without stopping between the sounds, then having them say the same word fast. This is a skill they are familiar with from the Direct Instruction we have every morning. This will help them with sounding out words when reading.

For example: Have your child say each sound in a word like mat: /m/a/t/. Then have them say the word quickly. Have them practice with other words similar to this.

Another skill to practice is word families. These families should focus on endings that are frequently seen in books. These include: -at, -an, -op, -ot, -et, -en, -it, -in, -un, etc. You can find the complete list of word families in the kindergarten brochure you received at the first quarter report card conference.

Knowing and being familiar with these word families will allow students to read these words by sight and be able to sound out words quickly.

SIGHT WORDS

Continue to review sight words (new and old) weekly. This includes reading and spelling them, as well as reading these words in sentences. The kindergarten brochure you received at your child's first quarter conference lists all sight words your child needs to be able to read and spell before the end of the year.

WRITING

Your child should be able to write at least 2 simple sentences on a familiar topic. We have been working on staying on topic and writing "small moment" stories. These are stories that focus on just one small part of a familiar event and then telling all parts of this moment. Having your child practice writing and telling stories at home is the best way to help them with these skills.

MATH