March is here! 2021 seems to be flying by and March means spring is JUST around the corner. Warmer temperatures means more opportunities for outdoor movement and Vitamin D, but it also comes with more distraction for our kids. While it is imperative that students get outside and play, it is equally important for them to stay focused and finish the school year strong.
Here is a literacy tip for teaching beginning and/or struggling readers. Naturally, students can often become discouraged when faced with a word they do not know. They might be trying to “sound it out.” Instead of using the standard line, “Look at the first letter of the word” to encourage the sounding out, use the “say and trace” method! If you are unfamiliar with the “say and trace” method, it’s very simple! When a student is confronted with a word they do not know, such as a CVC word like dog or cat, have them trace the letter of the word with their finger and sound out each letter simultaneously. This engages 3 senses: touch, sight, and hearing. The more senses used in the learning process, the more the mind will be reinforced word retention! Try this out and see how your students excel!
While we are covering hard-to-read words and techniques to learn them, let’s talk about base words and suffixes. This week's Tutor Tip Tuesday will focus on how vowel suffixes impact spelling. We will also be covering the Drop E Rule, so make sure you don’t miss it! These kinds of lessons are vital to a student's literacy, which absolutely includes spelling! I want to make it simple and fun for you so our kids can feel success!
This week is also home to one of the best days of the year (in my not-so-impartial opinion) - National Grammar Day! National Grammar Day is on March 4 and was established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar (SPOGG). Martha explained that she founded the day because she wanted to help her students with their grammar in a lively and positive way. As the National Grammar Day website states, “Language is something to be celebrated, and March 4 is the perfect day to do it. It’s not only a date, it’s imperative, so let’s “March forth on March 4th to speak well, write well, and help others do the same!” Let’s challenge students to show their grammar knowledge - and maybe brush up yourself.
Take a grammar quiz here.
This week's functional Friday is all about social skills for public outings. Outings like restaurants, fast food, going into a store, etc. It is important to instill kindness and courtesy in children at a young age so that the next generations live in a kinder, more considerate world. Here are some tips for them:
Hold the door for others when entering a public building. This small act of kindness can make someone’s day!
NO SMACKING! When you are chewing, make sure your mouth is closed.
Make eye contact with your waitress/waiter when ordering.
Make sure you have your order ready in a timely manner and are sure of what you want when you order. Know what you want for a side, to drink, and any other misc. items.
Lay your napkin on your lap when eating.
Don’t play with your food.
Remember to stay tuned on my social media this week for more tips and examples of tutoring techniques! Have a great week
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