Parent's Corner
Organizing Your Child
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to help organize your child for school.
This is a daily task that requires supervision and guidance from you.
Developing the skills of organizing a three ring binder is an excellent place for your child to start.
Above are some of the things my students kept in their binders.
This is a daily task that requires supervision and guidance from you.
Developing the skills of organizing a three ring binder is an excellent place for your child to start.
Above are some of the things my students kept in their binders.
Start and end the day with an organized three ring binder. When your child returns to school she/he will have all their work and useful items properly organized.
Over the years I was in my classroom my student's parents helped me find and organize computers, welded parts to help me with my bicycle program, supplied me with a ton of classroom essentials but one of the most important things was supplying my class with cereal boxes also known as boxboard.
Mastering Cursive Writing
A Parent’s Guide to Success
If you want your child to master the art of cursive, the first step is simple: ensure they have the right tools. Success starts with a well-stocked pencil case and a couple of sharp pencils ready to go in their binder every morning.
In my classroom, we started every day with a "pencil check." Students who weren’t prepared had to stay in at recess for a "pencil chat." Needless to say, they became highly motivated to stay organized!
The Right Tools
While a standard HB wood pencil works fine, I highly recommend the BIC Matic Grip Mechanical Pencil (0.7 mm).
A 12-pack is affordable and can last a full school year. I prefer these because the rubber grip naturally guides a child’s fingers into the correct "tripod" position. Plus, they save time—no sharpening required! Just a quick click of the eraser and they are ready to write.
Setting Up for Success
For beginners, consistency is key. Here is how you can help at home:
Use Guidelines: Use paper with lines to help your child keep their letters uniform and the correct height.
Trace First: Start with tracing worksheets (easily found online) to build muscle memory.
The 20-Minute Rule: Set a daily practice goal of 15 to 20 minutes. Don't overdo it—it takes time to build up finger strength.
Create a Focus Zone
Find a quiet, comfortable spot free from distractions where they can practice at the same time every day.
In the Classroom
In my class, we practiced for 10 minutes before the morning recess. We started with individual letters on the blackboard before moving to joining them together.
Eventually, we practiced using "tech-themed" spelling lists, which the kids loved. We would write 4–6 words a day, and the students would practice them four times each at home to prepare for our Friday test.
The Bigger Picture
Organization
Cursive is more than just beautiful writing; it is a physical and mental discipline that teaches a child how to work hard and see results.
However, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to help your child stay organized. I am a big believer in a quality three-inch zippered binder.
I used to "inspect" binders regularly, but I always looked for ten things to praise for every one thing I criticized.
Please check your child’s binder daily. Help them ensure their homework is finished and that their binder is stored in the same spot every night so they are ready for school the next morning.
These small habits at home will prepare them for the world of work later in life.
Good luck!
A Parent’s Guide to Success
If you want your child to master the art of cursive, the first step is simple: ensure they have the right tools. Success starts with a well-stocked pencil case and a couple of sharp pencils ready to go in their binder every morning.
In my classroom, we started every day with a "pencil check." Students who weren’t prepared had to stay in at recess for a "pencil chat." Needless to say, they became highly motivated to stay organized!
The Right Tools
While a standard HB wood pencil works fine, I highly recommend the BIC Matic Grip Mechanical Pencil (0.7 mm).
A 12-pack is affordable and can last a full school year. I prefer these because the rubber grip naturally guides a child’s fingers into the correct "tripod" position. Plus, they save time—no sharpening required! Just a quick click of the eraser and they are ready to write.
Setting Up for Success
For beginners, consistency is key. Here is how you can help at home:
Use Guidelines: Use paper with lines to help your child keep their letters uniform and the correct height.
Trace First: Start with tracing worksheets (easily found online) to build muscle memory.
The 20-Minute Rule: Set a daily practice goal of 15 to 20 minutes. Don't overdo it—it takes time to build up finger strength.
Create a Focus Zone
Find a quiet, comfortable spot free from distractions where they can practice at the same time every day.
In the Classroom
In my class, we practiced for 10 minutes before the morning recess. We started with individual letters on the blackboard before moving to joining them together.
Eventually, we practiced using "tech-themed" spelling lists, which the kids loved. We would write 4–6 words a day, and the students would practice them four times each at home to prepare for our Friday test.
The Bigger Picture
Organization
Cursive is more than just beautiful writing; it is a physical and mental discipline that teaches a child how to work hard and see results.
However, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to help your child stay organized. I am a big believer in a quality three-inch zippered binder.
I used to "inspect" binders regularly, but I always looked for ten things to praise for every one thing I criticized.
Please check your child’s binder daily. Help them ensure their homework is finished and that their binder is stored in the same spot every night so they are ready for school the next morning.
These small habits at home will prepare them for the world of work later in life.
Good luck!