March 2, 2015

 Integrating Art in the Classroom

Art is an outstanding tool for teaching not only developmental skills, but also academic subjects such as math, science, and literacy. The most effective learning takes place when children do something related to the topic they are learning. When children study any given concept, they learn it better and retain it longer if they do an art activity that reinforces that learning. This information has been recognized by teachers since the time of Confucius, when he said: "I hear and I forget.  I see and I remember; I do and I understand."

Art & Literacy

Art activities are a great way to promote literacy and language development. Children who draw pictures of stories they have read improve their reading comprehension, and are motivated to read new material. Art tools introduce pre-writing experiences, as early learners grasp tools that later help them hold a pencil for writing. Art develops expressive and reflective skills that enhance writing, and also promotes print awareness, spatial relation skills, visual literacy, and verbal creativity.

Art & Math

Art can be looked at through the lens of mathematics. Young children can work with simple collage materials and beads to introduce numbers, positive and negative space, classification, and sequencing and pattern recognition. Tangrams can be brought in, and art journals can become creative number or shape books. "Math is not just about numbers, formulas and logic, math is also about structure, symmetry, shape and beauty," says University of Colorado math professor Carla Farsi. "Conversely, art is not only about emotion, color and aesthetics, but also about rhythm, patterns and problem solving."

Enjoy,

Nora Sierra

Early Childhood Assistant Principal

Grade 1 Teacher

Discovery School

(504)221-7790

(504)221-7791(fax)

(504)9500-1720(school cell)

(504)9985-0732(mobile)

nsierra@discoveryschool.edu.hn

nivesierra@yahoo.com

For Preschool Teachers and Parents

Young children are like sponges. Every day they learn skills that will help them become readers. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers become aware of books and print and learn about sounds and letters. Preschool educators play a critical role in promoting literacy, preventing reading difficulties, and preparing young children for kindergarten. There has been many research-based information  collected especially for preschool teachers, to aid them in their teaching. It is very important to support our children and students in order to build a foundation for literacy in the formative years between infancy and five years of age.

Ex:

LETTERS:

One strong predictor of success in reading is a child’s familiarity with the letters of the alphabet — knowing a letter’s name, shape and sound.

·         

Enjoy,

Nora Sierra

Early Childhood Assistant Principal

Grade 1 Teacher

Discovery School

(504)221-7790

(504)221-7791(fax)

(504)9500-1720(school cell)

(504)9985-0732(mobile)

nsierra@discoveryschool.edu.hn

nivesierra@yahoo.com

February 17, 2015

What are typical behavioral characteristics and challenges in the Preschool years?

Children are in the Preschool Years from 3 years old until they start school. These children are starting to show personality traits and more intellectual development, including:

Egotism: A preschooler is the center of the world. Your child believes that everything in the world revolves around her.

Independence: A preschooler will want to dress by himself and want to help you with the household chores. Be patient as your child practices these skills.

Creativity:  Imaginations are constantly "on." Your child's world is full of magical things at this time.

"Why?": Preschoolers are trying to learn all about their environments; they will ask "why" constantly! Take the time to help your child learn about what causes the events happening around him.

Sociality:  Preschoolers are learning to be a good companion or friend to other children their age. Preschool, day care, play dates or playgroups provide wonderful opportunities for your child to learn important social skills.

Listening:   Preschoolers must also learn to listen to others with interest. Model appropriate listening behavior for your preschooler by actively listening when she tells you about her day, her friends and her discoveries.

Motor skills:  Preschoolers are also learning complex movements such as hopping, climbing, and skipping. Let your child practice and make it fun!

Adventurous:  Children can be very active during this time period. Make sure to provide helmets when riding tricycles and do regular safety checks on play equipment.

Language:  Pronunciation improves during this time. Don't be alarmed if your child leaves out word sounds occasionally.

Principles:  Preschoolers are also learning the difference between right and wrong. You can help by setting firm and consistent limits for your child.

Reality vs. Fantasy: Preschoolers must learn the difference between reality and fantasy. By the end of the preschool years, your child will have a better understanding of past, present and future.

Phobias:  New fears, especially to unfamiliar sights and sounds are common at this age. Be supportive while trying to ease irrational fears.

Poor sportsmanship:  Preschoolers learn to follow simple rules in the games they play, but they will always want to win and be in "first place." Playing "fair" will come later in your child's development.

Highly impressionable:  Preschoolers are heavily influenced by what they see. It's important to actively supervise what your child is exposed to on television and in the real world.

Enjoy,

Nora Sierra

Early Childhood Assistant Principal

Grade 1 Teacher

Discovery School

(504)221-7790

(504)221-7791(fax)

(504)9500-1720(school cell)

(504)9985-0732(mobile)

nsierra@discoveryschool.edu.hn

nivesierra@yahoo.com

February 9,2015

How can parents help an emergent reader at home?

Help your child choose books that they can read without much help. While they are reading, help them do the following:

·        Identify high-frequency words (popcorn words) such as the, I, my, in

·        Encourage your child to use pictures to help identify unknown words.

·        Match one-to-one (pointing to a word while saying it) consistently.

·        Use the beginning letter/sound to problem-solve words and to confirm word choice.

·        Re-read familiar books to help build fluency.

·        Encourage your child to read in phrases and not just word for word.

·        Talk about what is happening in the illustrations or photographs.

·        Retell/recall some events in a story.

Should I continue to read to my child?

Yes! Reading to your child is powerful, not matter what age they are. Experts recommend that parents read to their children through high school. Children love to hear a parent read aloud. Allow your child to select a favorite story and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading the same story over and over. Your own enthusiasm will help your child realize that reading is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Even after your child learns how to read, please don’t stop reading aloud.

Enjoy,

Nora Sierra

Early Childhood Assistant Principal

Grade 1 Teacher

Discovery School

(504)221-7790

(504)221-7791(fax)

(504)9500-1720(school cell)

(504)9985-0732(mobile)

nsierra@discoveryschool.edu.hn

nivesierra@yahoo.com