Reading is so important!!

Many of the parents I work with struggle to find time to read.  I found an article on the importance of reading. I too struggle to find time.  Before I had this special education job (just last year), I did not realize the importance!!  Thankfully, my big two kids are ok :-).  They are both readers, but in different ways.  One likes books.  The other likes short stories, jokes, and online reading of articles.  Either way, they are exposed.

Here is an online article I found regarding the importance of reading -- http://everydayadventure11.blogspot.com/2011/11/10-reasons-why-reading-is-important-for.html.

Sandy

Why you should read....

Many of the parents I work with struggle to find time to read.  I found an article on the importance of reading. I too struggle to find time.  Before I had this special education job (just last year), I did not realize the importance!!  Thankfully, my big two kids are ok :-).  They are both readers, but in different ways.  One likes books.  The other likes short stories, jokes, and online reading of articles.  Either way, they are exposed.

Here is an online article I found regarding the importance of reading -- http://everydayadventure11.blogspot.com/2011/11/10-reasons-why-reading-is-important-for.html.

Sandy

Sight Word Lists for Parents

The internet is an amazing tool.  Weeding through the good, bad, and ugly is a big job!  Here is one of the really good things I found -- sight word lists.  The lists are divided by age group.  How awesome!

http://blog.maketaketeach.com/parent-handouts-perfect-for-conferences/

Let me know if you have any questions on these!

Last week was Kindergarten Roundup.  As the special education teacher, this is the first time I was present in that capacity.  I have been there for my own kids as a parent.

My principal was sick.  So, that whole morning was mine.  He had a presentation ready for the information regarding our school and the forms that needed to be filled out.

I had been asked to create a presentation on Kindergarten Readiness.  First, I thought, what an overwhelming task!  Then, I did a little googling.  The task was much easier once I found a GREAT book -- The Kindergarten Readiness Guide by  Jaclyn Anne Brower.  You can find some of her ideas at www.kindergartenreadiness.net.

Check it out!

I have students that have a tough time reading material that is on the internet.  But, their classmates do and these students want to be with the class in the areas that they are working with.

I did a little searching today and came up with a site that offers a free program that will read the text to you.  I have played with it a bit, and I think I will really like it for my student.  Hey, maybe I will multitask and use it a bit myself :-).  I know it will allow me to multitask in my room -- I have been "caught" reading foxnews to students -- now I won't have to!  (Don't tell anyone -- but that is one way for me to keep up on the news :-)).

The site and the program I am using is NaturalReader from the website www.naturalreaders.com.  Here is a snapshot of the program on my desktop:








I like how I can have it "sitting on my desktop.  When I want the program to "read" to me, I just highlight the text and click the Play button. Very easy!!  When you do not want to use the program, just minimize it and it is out of your way.  Try it for yourself.  See what you think!!  Brainstorm -- think of adults with sight limitations that might enjoy this!

Well, here it goes.  Another way for connection.  One of many.

Welcome to my blog.  A blog is a web log of something.  I will be "logging" things that happen in the classroom.  I will also be blogging about important things that will take place either in my room or at school.  Many times we assume parents know what the plan is, but in reality it is only clear to the person that sets up the plan.

I will be using this blog as mainly a parent-communcation tool.  Feel free to comment (positive please!!) or ask questions when necessary!

I hope to see you back soon!!

Mrs. Hoefakker