Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Should I correct my child's handwriting?
- Should I correct my child's spelling?
- What is the correct way to pronounce short vowel sounds?
- What can I do to help improve my child's fine motor skills?
- Where can I make some addition and subtraction math sheets for my child?
Should I correct my child's handwriting?
Yes, if your child is reversing numbers and/or letters bring it to his/her attention and
have them correct the error. Use the handwriting sample sheet enclosed in the
homework folder. Be sure all letters and numbers reach the appropriate lines:
headline, midline, and baseline.
Should I correct my child's spelling?
Yes and no! If spelling needs to be corrected, do so in a positive way. Ask your child
to say the word and write the sounds they hear. If they are still missing sounds, work
together to write the sounds. I use a combination of spelling techniques in first grade,
inventive spelling and recognizing sight words. Inventive spelling is used heavily in
the beginning of the school year. I want the children to stretch a word out and write the
sounds they hear.
As the year progresses I will look for beginning, middle and ending sounds- and that a
vowel is included in every word. I also use a word wall in the classroom and the
children are required to spell those words correctly in all of their writing. It's okay to
remind your child of the spelling rules covered in class when they are writing- i.e. short
vowel sounds, magic e, h brothers, which should help your child correct any spelling
mistakes. Many words do not follow the rules. If your child is writing at home, feel free
to help them spell words that can not be sounded out.
What is the correct way to pronounce short vowel sounds?
a as in apple
e as in Ed
i as in itch
o as in odd
u as in up
and sometimes y- when it says long i and long e
What can I do to help improve my child's fine motor skills?
Go to the links and try some of the activities posted on fine motor websites.
Where can I make some addition and subtraction math sheets for my child?
Go to the links page and try math fact cafe. It's a great place to create your own math sheets.