Circle Time at Julian Curtiss
Students are participating in circle time activities in Ms. Caryn's preschool class at Julian Curtiss School. Students practice using specific vocabulary to describe what activities they did during the weekend. Ms. Caryn incorporates visuals on the board to help students use specific examples.
Culture Café at North Mianus
Mrs. Chie Yoshinaka Matejek performed for the students of North Mianus School during their lunch waves. Students listened to an American-themed program and had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Chie questions regarding the performance and her experiences as a professional violinist.
Read the Day Away at New Leb
Superintendent Dr. Jones made a guest appearance at New Lebanon School in Ms. Belinda's preschool classroom. Late last month was "Read the Day Away" at New Lebanon. Guest readers went into classrooms and read to students throughout the day. The students were thrilled that Dr. Jones could read them a story!
Inclusion Corner
with Rachel Rubin
Earlier this month, our partners at PINE held their annual virtual summit. There was one session intended specifically for parents of neurodivergent children called, "A Parent's Playbook for How to Squash Conflict and Stoke Connection," presented by Robert Galligan, PhD. Read the session description below. If you are interested, you can watch this session by clicking online. Please note, access to this recording is only available through June 30, 2024. If you have any questions about accessing the recording, please reach out to me at Rachel_Rubin@greenwich.k12.ct.us.
Description
Join us in this engaging presentation for parents, where we delve into the concept of maintaining a "positive mental image" of our kids. Learn how this mental image serves as a powerful tool, enhancing communication, connection, and co-regulation between the parent and child, even in the face of difficulties. Gain valuable insights into concrete communication strategies and constructive approaches that strengthen this positive perspective. We'll also address the potential pitfalls of adopting a negative mental image and provide practical guidance on regulating, repairing, and reconnecting with our kids.
Reading Lab
with MaryPat Caldwell
As we approach the end of the school year, the question I am asked most often is, “How can I keep my child’s reading skills from regressing over the summer?”
While reading is so important, I always suggest giving children a week or so to just let their brains rest.
After July 4th is a good time to begin a summer reading routine. Kids should read at the same time every day and ideally before they have access to any technology.
Set a timer for 20-30 minutes. Make sure to ask them about what they have read to check comprehension and stretch their language and thinking skills. Encourage your child to maintain a reading journal. Writing about their reading will keep writing skills sharp and hold them accountable for comprehension. Check online for some helpful sentence starters.
When choosing a book, choose high interest books that can be decoded with ease and fluency. This will help maintain fluency skills throughout the summer without frustrating your child. Reading to a younger sibling, cousin, or even a pet is another great way to maintain fluency skills. They could also alternate between reading and listening to a book on tape.
A trip to RJ Julia BookStore in Madison, CT is well worth the time. It is near a great state park that is free to all Connecticut residents. Make it an annual, early summer day trip to get kids excited about starting their summer reading!
Happy Summer!
504 Corner
with Michele Iannello
If you are like me, you are reading this wondering where this school year has gone. Summer is just around the corner, and as parents, we often look for things to do with our children - little ones and young adults alike.
Believe it or not, as humans, we are still adolescents until around age 24, and our brains are still developing and growing. For those of you with high school or older children in your home, I realize they may look like little adults, but do not forget they are still developing in their minds and bodies.
As summer brings freedom from routines and school day structure, it is essential to allow our children the time to play. What play looks like for an eight-year-old will look different than for a 16-year-old, but the premise and importance are the same. Summer is about fun, friends, and family. Encourage time outside when possible and away from electronic screens. As a parent of two boys myself, I know how challenging that can be. But remember - play is foundational for our children's development and growth.
I encourage you to read some of the resources below for more information about play. They all have great information and can lead you to more suggestions for further reading. One resource, Make Time 2 Play, is from the UK, but the information was too good not to share.
I hope you all take the time to rest, play!, and enjoy the time away from school with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing your children in the fall for another great school year!
Raising Lifelong Learners: Benefits of Keeping it Playful with Teens
Bright Horizons: The Benefits of Play for a Child's Development
Tech Tips
Tech Tip(s)!
From our AT Specialist, Meagan White
Are you familiar with ReWordify? It can simplify articles/text that can be challenging for our students.
Simply copy and paste the text passages in the text box on the website and click “Rewordify
Text.” The website will simplify the text and provide definitions and synonyms for challenging
words.
Benefits of Rewordify include:
1. Improving comprehension
2. Reducing frustration
3. Providing varied word choice
4. Aiding in total reading time
5. Increasing confidence in reading material
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493