courtesy review e-book edition-how to get the best education possible for your child - kindergarten...

8/14/2019 Courtesy Review E-Book Edition-How to Get the Best Education Possible for Your Child - Kindergarten - Sixth Grade

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Axis Legacy Advisors

PRESENTS:

How to Get the Best Education

Possible for Your Child -Kindergarten - 6th Grade

A Parent s Ha ndbook

FIRST EDITION

Debra E. West, M.Ed.

Huntsville, Alabama


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Copyright 2008 Debra E. West

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means includ-

ing information storage and retrieval systems except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or

reviews, or in the case of the exercises in this book solely for the personal use of the purchaser without permission in

writing from its publisher, Axis Publishing Company, LLC.

First Edition, 2009 Published by Axis Publishing Company, LLC122 Holbrook Drive

Huntsville, Alabama 35806

[email protected]

www.Axis-Publishing.com

Creative Direction: Amy M. NealEditorial Review: Write Choice Services, Inc.

The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with an accurate and informative overview of the subject. This book is

sold with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the author(s) are engaging in, nor rendering legal, medical,

psychiatric, accounting or any other professional service. If you need legal, accounting, medical, psychiatric or other

expert advice, then you should seek the services of a duly licensed professional.

This book is intended for use by the consumer for his or her own benet. If you use this book to counsel someone about

the law, accounting or other professional service, then you may be considered an unauthorized and illegal practice.

ISBN13: 978-0-9822479-5-2 ISBN: 0-9822479-5-8

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009922385

Printed in the United States of America

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data

West, Debra Elaine, 1953-

How to get the best education for your child - kindergarten - 6th grade: a parents handbook / Debra E. West, M.Ed.

186 p. 28 cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

Summary: An instructional guide for parents providing grade specic learning benchmarks, recommended readingsand goal setting objectives. Includes checklists for choosing a school, meeting with teachers, and grade specic

monitoring for grades K-6th.

ISBN 978-0-9822479-5-2

1. Education -- Parent participation -- United States 2. Education -- Curricula -- United States

3. Early Childhood Education [1. Learning 2. Readiness for school 3. Elementary Education (Sears)]

LB1139.2 .H69 2009

372.21---dc22

2009922385


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Acknowledgements

This book would not be possible without the loving support ofmy husband and best friend, Donald West, Sr. I also want to

thank Don West, Jr., Dr. Rosaria Love, Ann McArthur-Jobe,

Lia Scott, Karim West, Dr. Rosemary Hodges, Dr. Julius Scruggs,

Josephine Scruggs, Danae Quirk, Tracy Van Buren,

Sandra Montgomery, Karen French, Robert West, Kay Nikookary,

Linda Johnson, Leza Thomas, Rogina Smith, Hundley Batts, Sr.,

Robyn Long, Akilah West, Emily West, and Debra E. Fulford for allof their invaluable suggestions and prayers.

Acknowledgements i.


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This book is dedicated to

Dr. Frances Bliss and Ollye B. Conley

Because of their encouragement, loving guidance, and devotion to education, I was

pushed out of the nest of mediocrity and expected to soar as high as the universewould take me.

I also dedicate this book to my wonderful parents,

Robert and Elaine Holmes

They taught their three girls that there should rst be a true love and service forGod, there must be integrity in everything that we do, and nally that hard workwill produce positive results. These principles have guided me and inspired me to

achieve my dreams.

Dedication ii.


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About the Author

Throughout our journey together, which has been more than 35 years now, my husband, Don, and I

have faced struggles and victories, laughter and tears, hunger and plenty, but we always had a clear vision for

the future with a plan to get us there. We frequently visited our plan with our children present, worked the plan,

and planned the work.

I met my husband, Don, when we were both in ninth grade. We did not start to date until the summer

of our senior year in high school. After high school, I pursued my dreams of being a professional singer and Don

went o to college on a track scholarship. Two years into pursuing our early dreams, we married September, 17,

1973. Our rst son, Donald Jr. was born, and I decided to come o of the road, so I stopped singing, and became

a full time wife and mother.

Don as a new husband and father left Penn State and started his work career as an entry-level manager

at The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania and continued going to school at night at the University of

Pennsylvania. I pursued a Business of Administration degree at the local community college. By this time we

had three children Don Jr., Akilah, and Karim. In the midst of a lot of personal and family soul searching, Robert

was born. These were trying times for both of us because neither Don nor I could pursue our personal dreamsand our family was growing with too few resources.

In 1982, we moved to Huntsville, Alabama to regroup as a family and to continue our undergraduate

degrees as married students at Oakwood College, a private Christian liberal arts college. We chose Huntsville

because a good friend recommended it as a great place for families to prosper and grow spiritually. This

singular life decision to change our environment empowered us to nd what it was that God wanted for both

Don and I, as well as for our children.

Two years into our college experience in Huntsville, we were expecting our fth child, Debbie. The

children were growing up and we knew that we had to take immediate action to change the course of our

familys future. Don insisted that I nish my education rst because I had no work experience and thus had

limited earning potential. So, Don went to work both a full-time and a part-time job to support our family andI transferred to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, (UAH), to complete my Bachelor of Arts degree in

Elementary Education. We put our shoulders to the plow and kept our focus on our plan.

I graduated from UAH in the spring of 1989 and got a teaching job at a magnet school, The Academy for

Science and Foreign Language, with Huntsville City Schools, teaching sixth grade. When I started working, our

familys standard of living changed, and I began studies toward my masters degree in elementary education.

My husband and I wanted the best education for our children, but we were not exactly sure how to go

about it. With low incomes and a large family, we focused on daily survival. We never seemed to have the time

to meet with teachers or administrators to monitor our childrens academic progress. We simply were not

thinking in those terms at the time. In short, my children did not benet directly from the knowledge compiled

in this book, which inspires me to help you change the fate of yours and other families.Today, Don Jr. is an attorney. Akilah is an assistant manager for a national coee retailer. Karim and

Robert are informational technicians for international corporations. Debbie is a full time student at the local

community college. We are very proud of all of our children and rmly believe that our familys success arose

from putting God rst. Also, the children understand that we had a plan and high expectations for each one of

them.

In this book, I oer to you, the reader, the information I have discerned from Gods amazing grace,

mercy, and guidance to help parents navigate the educational maze that so many times keeps children from

getting the Best Education Possible. I only wish I had the information in this book when my own children were

in school.

About the author iii.


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Introduction

I have taught elementary school for over 20 years. Additionally, I haveearned a masters degree in elementary education. I currently work as a

reading coach. I know a little bit about how to get a good education for yourchild. For years I have watched parents guide their childrens education. I alsohave watched parents sit back and hope everything would get better or workout. They are not bad parents; they are either afraid or do not know what todo. They only show up when there is a serious problem and often are sofrustrated they handle the situation badly.

This is not a scientic study. It is simply years of experience working inthe public school system, watching parents who know just what to do and how

to handle a situation to their childs advantage.To everyone that reads this book, How to Get the Best Education Possible

for Your Child - Kindergarten - 6th Grade: A Parents Handbook, I hope it will be atrue blessing and encouragement for you to take action for your child andevery child in your reach. This book is an inspiration from God for all who arewilling to receive this gift. Not any one religion, denomination, orsocio-economic group is excluded from receiving the important informationcontained in this workbook. It is something that will change your life and yourchilds future. I address the most important questions that need to be asked ineach section of the book.

Use this workbook to empower you as an active partner in your childsfuture. With important questions answered and you working for your child,there is nothing impossible for such a time as this. If you only complete one ortwo of the suggestions in each section, you will impact your childs life. Pleaseread and use this workbook in the spirit it was written; in love, service, andexcitement for the miracles to unfold.

Introduction iv.


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Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End sixth gradeLiterature for sixth gradePoetry and Prose for sixth gradeContractual Agreements for sixth grade

contents

AcknowledgmentsDedicationAbout the AuthorIntroduction

Getting Started

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

Suggested LiteratureGlossary

ReferencesNotes

The Most Important Things You Can DoWhy is This Information Important?How to Use This Workbook

Know the School DistrictI Already Own or Rent PropertyKnow the School Administrators and TeachersThings to Look for On the TourMeeting Your Ch ilds TeacherTeacher Appreciation/Intrest SurveyTen Things That Will Make You a Better ParentWhat Makes a Balanced Parent

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End kindergartenLiterature for kindergartenPoetry and Nursery Rhymes for kindergartenContractual Agreements for kindergarten

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End rst gradeLiterature for rst gradePoetry and Nursery Rhymes for rst gradeContractual Agreements for rst grade

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End second gradeLiterature for second gradePoetry and Nursery Rhymes for second gradeContractual Agreements for second grade

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End third gradeLiterature for third gradePoetry and Prose for third gradeContractual Agreements for third grade

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End fourth gradeLiterature for fourth gradePoetry and Prose for fourth gradeContractual Agreements for fourth grade

Things Your Child Should Know Before/Mid/End fth grade

Literature for fth gradePoetry and Prose for fth gradeContractual Agreements for fth grade

169-

184-

31

43

51

63

71

83

91

103-

111-111

123-1

131-

143-

150-

163-

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The Most Important Things You Can Do ToHave a Successful Child in School

Make sure your child reads or is read to at home every day: 10-20 minutes for ayounger child and 20-45 minutes for an older child. Research shows that students whoread at home in addition to encountering a strong reading curriculum at school perform inthe top 10% of the nation in standardize testing.

Review your childs homework every evening. Do not hesitate to get tutoring orone-on-one instructions if your child struggles with a lesson or assignment. Children donot want to go on to the next lesson or grade without mastering the current material. Ifyou can not aord tutoring, look into the Girls and Boys Club, YMCA, church tutoringprograms, community outreach, or after school programs. Many times high school honorstudents or college students tutor younger students. Ask teachers, principals, or other

parents for help.

Make sure your child reviews and knows all the skills from the grade he/she isleaving. Teachers spend most of the rst couple of weeks/months reviewing materialsfrom the past year. Reviewing skills with your child should be a routine during the summerbreaks.

Keep your child ahead in lessons. Get a Teachers Manual for the textbook seriesbeing used in reading and math in the school your child attends. Over the summer makesure they are getting ahead in lessons for the coming year or reviewing skills they have notmastered.

Encourage your child to participate in extra curricular activities that they areinterested in or show natural talent in. (examples; sports, dance, art, music, gymnastics,etc.) Such activities develop a well rounded individual with good self-esteem. Be involvedand go to every important event.

Most Impor tant Things You Can Do 3.


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Why Is this Information Important?

The information contained in this workbook can help your child have a successful

educational experience in school. The No Child Left Behind Act, made school systems,

administrators, and teachers accountable for student learning. Standardized test scores now driveinstruction and the curriculum. Regardless of legislation, schools will not improve until parents

and students are held to the same high standards of accountability.

In order for your child to Get the Best Education Possible you must make education a priority.

Let you child know that you expect him/her to go to school and get a good education, as well as

respecting those in charge and obeying all of the rules and regulations. You are the role model, so

do not expect your child to be respectful and work hard if you are not showing them how.

Remember that how you speak of your boss can inuence how your child views and respects (or

does not respect) teachers and principals.

When it comes to your childs education, you can talk to other parents and teachers who

have been successful in educating their own children. This is why I have developed this workbook.

It should answer most of your questions and then you can make the nal decision as to the steps

you want to take.

The purpose and goal of parents and teachers is to prepare your child to succeed both in

school and in life. In order for children to go out and get good employment to take care of

themselves and their family, they must have an excellent education. The competition is tough and

parents should know what to do to help their children get awards, scholarships, and good jobs.What should we be doing to prepare our children for future employment or career goals?

Some of the skills an employer looking for are:

self starter problem solver creative thinker good communicator (both orally and writing) can work well with others organizer analyzer finish a project willing to grow

The question that needs to be answered is, are you and your childs school preparing your

child(ren) to be a successful, productive, citizen for the 21st century?

Why Is this Important? 5.


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How to Use this Workbook

This workbook contains eight sections. Start with the rst section. It addresses theinformation needed to make an intelligent decision about what school your child should attend.It can be very scary if you do not know what to do or say. Read each page carefully and keep thisbook with you. Check o everything you have completed and there is space to write in anyquestions or answers. If you only ask or do two or three of the questions suggested it is betterthan doing nothing at all. There are also Journal Pages throughout the book to record youradditional thoughts, memories and helpful information.

Sections three through eight are divided into grade levels beginning with kindergartenand ending with sixth grade. Each grade level starts with what your child should know beforeentering that grade. The next page will show the things your child should know by mid-year andthen what your child should master by the end of the year. These are only suggestions. Checkyour state requirements and objectives for your childs grade level. I emphasize reading and

mathematics, because these are the core foundation of a solid education.There is a section of poetry and suggested literature to read for each grade. These lists are

culturally diverse with wide interest levels. These lists include Caldecott and Newbery awardwinners, (recognizing outstanding childrens books), and favorite books of teachers, students, andparents. Use this section to develop a true love for reading good literature and life long readers.

Work to develop a community network of friends and family members. This will be a groupof people who love you and your child and are interested in your childs well being. It is wonderfulto nd a group of parents in your neighborhood or at your place of worship if you do not havefamily nearby. The network will help if you are unable to attend conferences, special school

programs, PTA meetings, eld trips, etc. They may advise you if you have any problems or havequestions and keep you informed of any opportunities being oered at school or in thecommunity. Make sure they are a positive group. Unfortunately, many times groups of parentsgather to complain and cause confusion. You do not want to be associated with negative orunproductive groups.

If you have any problems during the school year, contact the teacher immediately. Workout a positive solution. If you and the teacher are unable to work out a solution, you could makean appointment to talk with the principal. If you are still unsatised, go see the superinnt orschool board members for input. Whatever you decide to do, pick your battles wisely and try notto over-react. Most problems should be resolved with the teacher or at least with the teacher and

the principal.

Read each page of this manual carefully. Check o everything you have completed. Thereis space to write or add any questions to the list. Everyone should try to answer as many of thequestions as possible in this workbook until they have all of their questions answered. It willchange you and your childs school experience. Please use this book with the intentions it waswritten, in love.

How to Use this Workbook 7.


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Best Education Possible Journal

www.BestEducationPossible.net


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Yes No# or % of

StudentsNeed more information/Notes

Academics offered, athletic programs, clubs etc.

Graduation rate.

Drop out rate.

Suspension rate and types (ex. violent acts/drugs).

Number of students in the average class?

Do they offer after school care and how much is it?

Are magnet programs available and how to apply?

Are Special programs available for gifted classes?

Are special programs available for special education?

Is there good community involvement?

Number of National Merit Scholars.

Number of scholarships awarded.

Percentage of students that attend college.

Computers available in the classroom/lab.

Are tutoring programs available?

Are AP courses taught?*

Notes

Know the School DistrictIf you are relocating and have not purchased or rented a property, a critical consideration is LOCATION, LOCATION,

LOCATION as it pertains to your child(ren)s education. The rst question that you need to ask is what elementary

middle, and high schools do the children attend. This will also impact the resale value of that home. This information

can be found at a local Realtor Association, School District Webpage, Citys Chamber of Commerce, and PTA ocers.

An excellent national website that will give you a lot of information you are looking for about your school is

www.greatschools.net .

Answer yes/no if you were able to get the information, then #/% of students.

If you need more information, write it in the last column.

School District 9.*AP stands for Advanced Programs


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Empowerment & Personal Responsibility through Education


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Yes No# or % of

StudentsNeed more information/Notes

Test scores (SAT, ACT, Graduation Exit Exams etc).

Racial diversity in population.

Number of transfer students.

Success of transfer students.

ELL programs (English Language Learners).

Number of National Merit Scholars.

How many scholarships awarded?

Percentage of students that go to college.

Does the school offer distant learning.

More to Know About the School District(Continue your research as you feel comfortable)

Notes

School District (more) 11.


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Yes No Short Answers

Can my child transfer to a different school?

If yes, How do I apply for a transfer?

What kind of transportation is available?

How long is the drive?

Are there after school programs available? What is the cost?

Are there any magnet programs and how do I apply?

Are there charter school available and how do I apply?

Does the state offer private school vouchers?

Notes

I Already Own or Rent a PropertyIf you already purchased or rented a property you still need to know about the school district and options available

to your child. These questions are important if you are not happy with the school your children would attend.

All the information on the previous page is important, but here are additional questions you need to address.

Already Own or Rent 13.


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Short Answers Need more informatio

How many students are in a class?

How involved are parents in the school?

How many violent acts were recorded in the last 2 years?

Does the school have a mentoring family network?

Is there good communication between home and school?

Is there an after school program available?

Can I go on tour of the school?

Notes

Know the School Administrators

Getting to know personally the principals and teachers of your child(ren) provides tremendous benet. Theyestablish a friendly, positive, working partnership. Make an appointment to meet with the principal. You should

have this book and all the questions answered in Know the School District.

The chart below presents the things you should ask the elementary school principal.

School District 15.


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Short Answers Need more informatio

How much training do the teachers get during the year?

Ratio of veteran teachers vs. new teachers at the school?

Who is the PTA president? (Parent Teacher Association)

How many members are there in the PTA?

Are there any special requests for parents at this school?

Do the children get recess and how much time?

Does the school have a mentoring family network?

How much money is spent per child in this school district?

What is the reading program at this school?

What is the math program at this school?

Notes

More Questions for the School Administration(Continue your research as you feel comfortable)

School Administration (more) 17.


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Yes No

Is the building clean and inviting?

Do you feel a sense of peace?

Is the atmosphere happy?

Do the children seem happy?

Are the teachers and sta happy and helpful?

Do you feel safe?

Are there childrens work on the walls in the halls and classrooms? (elementary only)

Does it look like good work by the children?

Are the teachers comfortable with you being there?

Is the cafeteria clean and welcoming?

Do they serve good lunches with choices?

Is this a place my child would be happy learning and attending school?

Does the building seem in order and under control?

Does the gym have good equipment and space for the children?

Does the school oer other activities for children who need extra help?

Things to Look For On the Tour

Try to visit the school when there are children there.

Write any other comment or questions you would like to address during or after the tour:

On the Tour 19.


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TeacherAppreciationLike all of us, teachers respond when they know they are truly appreciated. There should be aroom mother/father in every classroom. This person makes sure every parent is contacted forspecial occasions, eld trips, or events at school. When the school year begins, give the teacherthe interest survey and have her/him ll it out. Anytime there are special occasions give gifts asa class or individuals according to what the teacher would like. This will please the teacher andgive the boost needed to keep working hard for your children. Small cards or letters of

appreciations are also treasured.

TeachersInterest Survey:

Name

Birthday

Favorite color

Hobby

Collections (ex. Stamps, dolls, coins)

Favorite ower

Favorite fruit

Favorite restaurant

Favorite foodsFavorite candy or dessert

Favorite snack food

Favorite author

ClassroomWish List:____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Teacher Appreciation 23.


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Ten Things That Will Make

You a Better Parent

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Ensure your child is at school every day he/she can be there. Arrive ontime.

Be a good, positive, role model. Your child is always watching you.

Make sure your child gets 8-12 hours of sleep every night.

Your childs clothes and self should always be neat and clean.

Turn the TV/computer o during the week and talk to your child. Yourchild needs to get physical exercise everyday.

Try to eat dinner at the same time every evening and discuss the daywith your child.

Help your child feel loved with praise, hugs, and kisses.

Discipline when necessary. Be consistent. Always focus on thebehavior not the child.

Stay involved with your childs interest and know your childs friends.

Expect the rom child, but have realistic goals and expectations.

Better Parent 25.


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Be a Balanced

ParentWhen You Discipline

It has been my experience that there are 3 types of parents when it comes todiscipline: the balanced parent, the too easy parent, and the harsh parent. We know thatno perfect parents exist. We also know that parents who balance love, praise, discipline,

and expectations are the most successful. The chart below is an example of the 3 types ofparents. Inspite of our eorts to be perfect, most of us are a combination of all three.

Which type ofparent are you?

Gives the child choices when it is

appropriate and guides the child

into making good decisions.

Does everything for the child, even

things the child could/should do

for themselves.

Makes all decisions for the child

and the childs opinion is not heard

nor does it matter.

Discipline is consistent and loving

while letting the child know the

behavior is unacceptable and will

not be tolerated.

Childs discipline is inconsistent.

You give consequences, but never

follow through and child usually

ends up getting their way.

Controls child through fear and

harsh punishments. Child obeys

out of fear, not from knowing right

from wrong.

Lets the child know that there are

consequences for their behavior

and holds them accountable for

their actions.

Finds excuses for childs behavior

and blames everyone else except

child for poor behavior.

Consequences are harsh and will

embarrass child in front of others.

Usually punishes while angry.

Sees their child realistically and has

realistic expectations for their child.

Has a fairy tale world for their child

and makes sure life is as easy as

possible. Lives through the child.

Has unrealistic expectations for

their child and will punish

harshly if expectations are not

met or fall short.

Gives their child love, self worth,

and respect therefore building

self-esteem.

Invites rebellion and unhappiness

with inconsistent parenting. The

child thinks they are the center of

the universe.

Invites rebellion and unhappiness

with the strong controlled

environment.

Balanced Too Easy TooHard

Balanced Parent 27.


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Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten

Each state establishes standards that students should meet at the end of a grade. No two states ar

exactly the same. Check to determine what the standards are for your state and childs grade level. In th

examples below, I share from my own teaching experience and those of teachers I respect. These skilwill hopefully put your child at an advantage.

Read to your child 15-20 minutes every day (see suggested kindergarten reading list p. 171)

1. Name upper and lower case letters.

2. Have an interest in listening to books being read to him/her.

3. Can speak clearly and express himself/herself in complete sentences.

4. Recognize numbers 0-9.

5. Knows his/her name (rst, middle, and last name).

6. Able to use pencils, crayons, and scissors using correct grip.

7. Know his/her birthday, telephone number, and address.

8. Recognizes the eight (8) basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, and brown).

9. Sign the contract for the beginning of the year (at the end of this chapter).

Kindergarten 31.

Notes on skills worked/mastered:

Notes on skills worked on and need more work:


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Read to your child everyday. The following titles are books that I have found students enjoy

hearing or are award winning titles. Great literature abounds for children. Ask friends and

relatives to buy your child a book instead of toys for gifts. Research shows that reading toyour child early on will improve a childs academic performance throughout life.

Kindergarten

1. The Black Snowman By Phil Mendez2. The Ugly Duckling By Hans Christian Anderson3. Mama Bird, Baby Birds By Angela Johnson4. Snow White By Brothers Grimm

5. Is Your Mama a Llama By Deborah Guarino6. Itchy, Itchy Chicken PoxBy Grace Maccarone7. Cinderella By Barbara Lanza8. The First Thanksgiving By Garnet Jackson9. Monster Math PicnicBy Grace Maccarone10. Amazing Grace By Mary Homan11. Amelia Bedelia By Peggy Parish12. Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm By Peggy Parish13. Casey Jones By Kentucky Tale14. The Velveteen RabbitBy Margery Williams

15. Angel Child, Dragon ChildBy Nucgeke Narua Surat16. Apples to Oregon By Deborah Hopkinson17. Arroz Con Leche By Lulu Delacre18. Beatrice Doesnt Want To By Laura Numero19. Bens TrumpetBy Rachel Isadora20. Chicken SundayBy Patricia Polcco21. Chesters WayBy Kevin Henkes22. Cliords Series of Books By Norman Bridwell23. CorduroyBy Don Freeman

24. Curious George" By H.A. Rey25. Dear Mr. Blueberry" By Simon James26. Dora and Diego: The RainforestBy Lara Bergen27. The Emperors Egg By Martin Jenkins28. Everybody Cooks Rice By Norah Dooley29. Fish is Fish By Leo Lionni30. Flower Garden By Eve Bunting31. The Lucy Cousins Book of Nursery Rhymes By Lucy Cousins

Childrens Literature

Kindergarten 37.


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At this stage students need to hear rhyming words and understand the rhyming patterns.

Old nursery rhymes and rhyming patterns prepare children to hear and recognize

beginning, middle, and ending sounds for reading.

Kindergarten

1. Over In the Meadow - Traditional

2. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary - Traditional

3. Little Miss Muet - Traditional

4. Humpty Dumpty - Traditional

5. Miss Mary Mac - Traditional

6. You Are My Sunshine - Traditional

7. Down on the Farm - Traditional

8. The Hokey Pokey - Traditional

9. Old Mother Hubbard - Traditional

10. Hickory, Dickory, Dock - Traditional

11. Hey, Diddle, Diddle - Traditional

12. Three Blind Mice - Traditional

13. Simple Simon - Traditional

14. Rain, Rain, Go Away - Traditional15. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe - Traditional

16. Papa Papa - Traditional

17. Jack Be Nimble - Traditional

18. These Hands - Traditional

19. Were Going on a Lion Hunt - Traditional

20. I Like It When - Traditional

See other suggested childrens literature on p. 171

Poetry and Nursery Rhymes

Kindergarten 39.


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Contract

The following pages are extremely important. They are contractual agreements

between your child and you. Most children in kindergarten will not be able to read

or understand what a contract means. Explain that a contract is a promise that you

will make with each other in front of a witness, and the promise should not be

broken. Read it aloud and sign it in the presence of a concerned witness. Change

the contract as often as needed and change the objective as often as needed. There

will be a new contractual agreement three times a year: one at the beginning of the

school year, one mid-year, and one at the beginning of summer break. (There arethree contracts following each grade level for your use).

A good example of a parents objective would be to complete the rst sections of

this manual. A good example of a students objective would to know all the upper

and lower case letters and 8 basic colors. Whatever the objectives may be, make

sure they are realistic.


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Our Goals & Objectives - Beginning of the Year



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Beginning: Kindergarten

Parent/Guardian Contractual Agreement

I, ________________________________, on this day _____________________ agree to help

___________________________ in any way that I can Get the Best Education Possible. I will use

this manual to guide me and will become a cooperative working partner with

________________________________________. I will attend all conferences and assist the

school in anyway that I can. I will not use the manual to intimidate or get my way but to assist

my child and I in making good choices.

Parents/Guardians Name

Name of school my child attends

Date

Date

Signature

Students Name

Parents/Guardians main objectives for this semester:

Students objectives for this semester:

DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement

I, ________________________________, on this day _____________________ agree to do my

absolute best every day so I can Get the Best Education Possible. I will listen, study, and work

hard. I will complete all assignments and only turn in my best work. I will strive for excellence in

everything I do.

Kindergarten 43.


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Our Goals & Objectives - Mid-Year



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Mid-Year: Kindergarten



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(January -February)

Kindergarten 45.









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Our Goals & Objectives - End of Year / Summer Break



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End of Year: Kindergarten



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(Summer Break)

Kindergarten 47.









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Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering First Grade

Each state establishes standards that students should meet at the end of a grade. No two states are

exactly the same. Check to determine what the standards are for your state and childs grade level. In

the examples below, I share from my own teaching experience and those of teachers I respect. Theseskills will hopefully put your child at an advantage.

Read to your child 15-20 minutes every day (see suggested reading list p. 171)

1. Should be able to read 5-10 sight words.

2. Express him/herself verbally (let them tell jokes, riddles, tongue twisters).

3. Know the letter sounds and able to sound out words with some help.

4. Demonstrate an interest in books for reading and being read to.

5. Can identify characters, settings, problems, and solutions in stories.

6. Counting to 100 and write to 100.

7. Counting by ones and twos.


First Grade 51.




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Things Your Child Should Know Mid-Year First Grade (January-February)


1. Able to read 20-30 words a minute.

2. Read with expression and retell story.


4. Identify compound words (raincoat, replace, handbag, hotdog).

5. Identify three-letter consonant blends (o: oa, ow).

6. Can count to 100 by 2s, 5s, and 10s.

7. Identify coins and paper money.

8. Two digit addition and subtraction.

9. Adding three numbers. (1+2+3 or 4+5+6)

10. Telling time to the hour and half hour.

11. Sign the contract for mid-year (at the end of this chapter).

First Grade 53.




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Things Your Child Should Know End of Year First Grade (May - June)


1. Be able to read 40-60 words a minute.

2. Answer questions about what you read to see if they understand.

3. After you read a simple nursery rhyme ask your child to read it.

4. Be able to write a simple sentence and use correct punctuation.

5. Practice writing once or twice a week.

6. Draw a picture about what they write.

7. Express him/herself verbally (let them tell jokes, riddles, tongue twisters).


9. Have ash cards of sight words (While grocery shopping, let your child cross o items put in the basket).

10. Adding three numbers.

11. Telling time to the hour, half hour, and quarter hour.

12. Knowing greater than and less than.

13. Identify prexes un-, and re- (happy-unhappy, run-rerun).

14. Sign the contract for the end of the year (at the end of this chapter).



First Grade 55.


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First Grade

1. Just the Two of Us By Will Smith2. A Kiss for Little BearBy Else Holmelund3. Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah StoryBy Fran Manushkin4. Brer Rabbitan African American Folktale

5. Hansel and Gretela tale from Brothers Grimm6. Tom Thumb a tale from Brothers Grim7. Jack and the Beanstalka tale from Brothers Grimm8. Momma, Where Are You From By Mare Bradby9. Medio Pollito a Hispanic Folktale10. The Pied Piper of Hamelin a Traditional tale11. Pinocchio By C. Collodi12. Make Way for Ducklings By Robert McCloskey13. The Princess and the Pea By Hans Christian Anderson14. Puss-in-Boots By Hans Christian Anderson

15. Lilys Purple Plastic Purse By Levin Henkes16. The Little Engine That CouldBy Watty Piper17. Rupunzela tale from Brothers Grimm18. Rumpelstiltskin a tale from Brothers Grimm19. Sleeping Beautya tale from Brothers Grimm20. The Magic Fish By Freya Littledale21. The Tale of Peter RabbitBy Beatrix Potter22. Mommys Hands By Jane Kamine and Kathryn Lasky23. One Leaf Rides the WindBy Celeste Mannis

24. Ocer Buckle and Gloria By Peggy Rathmann25. One of Three By Angela Johnson26. Over in the MeadowBy Olive A. Wadsworth27. Owl Moon By Jane Olen28. The Patchwork QuiltBy Valerie Flournoy29. Stellaluna By Janell Cannon30. The Snowy DayBy Jack Keats


First Grade 57.


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Contract


between your child and you. A rst grade child may not fully understand what a

contract means. Explain that a contract is a promise that you will make with each

other in front of a witness, and the promise should not be broken. Read it aloud and

sign it in the presence of a concerned witness. Change the contract as often as

needed and change the objective as often as needed. There will be a new

contractual agreement three times a year: one at the beginning of the school year,

one mid-year, and one at the beginning of summer break. (There are three contractsfollowing each grade level for your use).


this manual. A good example of a rst grade students objective would be to know

all the letter sounds and can count and write to 100. Whatever the objectives

maybe make sure they are realistic.


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Beginning: First Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

First Grade 63.









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Mid-Year: First Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(Jan-Feb)

First Grade 65.









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End of Year: First Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(Summer Break)

First Grade 67.









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Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Second Grade




Continue to read aloud with your child 35-40 minutes a day. (see suggested reading list p.173)

Take your child to the public library

1. Should be able to read 40-60 words per minute and retell 25-50% of what was read.

2. Help your child write letters to friends and relative, thank you cards, and invitations.

4. Identify base words and endings (drop and dropped).

5. Identify contractions (can not and cant).

6. Identify comparative endings (long, longer, longest).

7. Even and odd numbers.

8. Regrouping subtraction.

9. Adding two and three digit numbers.




Second Grade 71.


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Things Your Child Should Know Mid-Year Second Grade (January-February)



1. Should be able to read 60-80 words per minute and retell 25-50% of what was read.

2. Have your child read by him/herself every day.

3. Able to write a complete sentence and use correct punctuation.

4. Able to write a narrative (story) that is easily understood.

5. Identify prexes (un-, re-, pre-, dis-) eg. happy - unhappy, pay repay, historic prehistoric, agree - disagree.

6. Identify suxes (-ly, -ful, -er, -or) eg. love lovely, joy joyful, sweet sweeter.

7. Skip counting.

8. Even and odd numbers.

9. Subtractions facts.

10. Regrouping subtraction.


12. Estimating and rounding numbers to the nearest ten.

13. Sign contract for mid-year (at the end of this chapter).

Second Grade 73.




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Things Your Child Should Know End of Year Second Grade (May - June)



1. Read 90-100 words per minute and retell 25-50% of what was read.

2. Have your child read by him/herself every day.

3. Play word games (Scrabble Junior, Crossword puzzles, Hangman, etc).

4. Able to write a complete sentence and use correct punctuation.

5. How to write letters to friends and relatives (eg. thank you cards and invitations).

6. Counting with tally marks.

7. Writing numbers as words and reading number lines.

8. Subtractions facts and regrouping subtraction.


10. Estimating and rounding numbers to the nearest ten.

11. Simplify fractions and multiplying by 10.

12. Finding the missing number and solving simple word problems.

13. Identify prexes (mis-, mid-) ex. understood misunderstood, summer - midsummer.

14. Identify suxes (-ness, -less) ex. calm calmness, use, and useless.

15. Telling time and understanding the calendar.


Second Grade 75.




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At this stage students need to hear rhyming words and understand the rhyming patterns.

Old nursery rhymes and rhyming patterns prepare children to hear and recognize

beginning, middle, and ending sounds for reading.

Second Grade(Ask your child if he/she can understand the meaning of the poems and have him/her illustrate or draw a picture for the

poem)

1. Smart - By Shel Silverstein

2. At the Zoo - By William Makepeace Thackeray

3. The Seaside - By Robert Louis Stevenson

4. Hurt No Living Thing - By Christina Rossetti5. Rudolph Is Tired of the City - By Gwendolyn Brooks

6. Something Told the Wild Geese - By Rachel Field

7. Who Has Seen the Wind? - By Christina Rossetti

8. There Was an Old Man with a Beard - By Edward Lear

9. Bed in Summer - By Robert Louis Stevenson

10. Discovery - By Harry Behn

11. Harriet Tubman - By Eloise Greeneld

12. Lincoln - By Nancy Byrd Turner

13. The Cow - By Robert Louis Stevenson

14. The Night Before Christmas - By Clement C. Moore

15. Windy Nights - By Robert Louis Stevenson

Poetry and Nursery Rhymes

Second Grade 79.

See other suggested childrens literature on p.173


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Contract


between your child and you. Your second grade child should understand what a

contract is by now. Read it aloud and sign it in the presence of a concerned witness.

Change the contract as often as needed and change the objective as often as

needed. There will be a new contractual agreement three times a year: one at the

beginning of the school year, one mid-year, and one at the beginning of summer

break. (There are three contracts following each grade level for your use).


this manual. A good example of a second grade students objective would be to

read 15-30 minutes every day after school and to add and subtract 3 digit numbers.

Whatever the objectives may be, make sure they are realistic.


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Beginning: Second Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

Second Grade 83.









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Mid-Year: Second Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(January -February)

Second Grade 85.









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End of Year: Second Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

(Summer Break)

Second Grade 87.









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Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Third Grade




Continue to read aloud with your child or child should read independently for at least 30 minutes a

day. Read good literature (see suggested third grade reading list p. 175).

1. Should read 90-100 words per minute and retell 25-50% of what was read.

2. How to write a report and friendly letter and parts of speech.

3. Multiplication Tables and 4-digit subtraction.

4. Identify Prexes (un-, re-, mis-, dis-) (eg.unhappy, rewrite, misplace, disobey).

5. Identify Suxes (ly, -ful, -ness, -less) (eg. nally, truly, beautiful, kindness).

6. Identify Silent consonants (wr, kn, st, mb, gn) (eg. write, knight, listen, thumb, gnaw).

7. Elapsed time in minutes and change for $1.00.

8. Numbers through Hundred thousands.

9. Expanded form 3,457 in expanded form is 3,000 + 400 + 50 + 7.

10. Elapsed time to the hour with a clock and with a calendar.

11. Round money values to the nearest dollar.

12. Determine monetary values of sets of unlike coins and bills up to $5.00.


Third Grade 91.




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Things Your Child Should Know Mid-Year Third Grade (January-February)

Continue to read aloud with your child or child should read independently for at least 30 minutes a

day. Read good literature. (see suggested third grade reading list p. 175)


2. How to write a report/business letter and the Parts of speech.

3. Identify Homophones (our, hour; ate, eight).

4. Identify Prexes (pre-, mid-,over-, out-) (eg. prepaid, midnight, overhead, oversleep, outdo).

5. Multiplication thru 6 time tables.

6. Draw perpendicular lines.

7. Complete a given geometric pattern.

8. Basic Division.

9. Solve word problems.

10. Numbers through Hundred Thousands.


12. Rounding numbers.

13. 4-digit subtraction.

14. Sign the contract for mid-year (at the end of this chapter).

Third Grade 93.




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Things Your Child Should Know End of Year Third Grade (May - June)

Continue to read aloud with your child or child should read independently for at least 30 minutes a day. Read

good literature. (see suggested third grade reading list p. 175)


2. Support your childs interest and communicate daily with your child.

3. Encourage child to keep a journal and write letters to friends and relatives.

4. Learning geography (continents, largest countries, major rivers, major mountains, major cities of the world).

5. World History (Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar, Vikings, Early Explorers in North America, English Colonies).

6. Introduced to drawing, cutting, pasting, working with clay, etc. (also, visit museums and galleries).

7. Expose your child to singing, playing rhythms, musical instruments, and terms in music.

8. Common syllables (tion, -sion, -ture) ex. action, question, ction, picture, nature, decision).

9. Multisyllabic words (using word parts eg. prex + base word + sux) (joyfully, relled, leadership, disagreement).

10. Multiplication tables with regrouping and division.

11. Draw points and lines (parallel lines, perpendicular lines, rays).

12. Solve word problems.

13. Identify numbers through hundred thousands.


15. Rounding numbers/estimating sums and dierences.

16. Mental addition/subtraction and 4-digit subtraction.

17. Elapsed Time in minutes and change for $1.00.

18. Reading and writing graphs (line graphs, bar graph).

19. Geometry, measurement, roman numerals, and fractions.


Third Grade 95.




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Third Grade

1. Alices Adventures in WonderlandBy Lewis Carroll2. Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp By Scheherazade3. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves By Scheherazade4. The Hunter of the Great BearBy the Iroquois People

5. William Tella Switzerland Legend6. Jason and the Golden Fleece an Ancient Greek Myth7. The People Could Flyan African American Tale8. The Little Match GirlBy Hans Christian Anderson9. The River BankBy Kenneth Grahame10. Three Words of Wisdom a Mexican Tale11. Gone Is Gone a Story from Bohemia



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Third Grade(Ask your child if he/she can understand the meaning of the poems and have him/her illustrate or draw a picture for the

poem)

1. "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set" - By Shel Silverstein

2. "Above the Bright Blue Sky" - By Albert Midlane

3. "Dream Variations" - By Langston Hughes

4. "All Things Bright and Beautiful" - By Cecil Frances Alexander

5. "By Myself" - By Eloise Greeneld

6. "A light Exists in Spring" - By Emily Dickinson7. "Knoxville, Tennessee" - By Nikki Giovanni

8. "Trees" - By Sergeant Joyce Kilmer

9. "The Baby Dance" - By Ann Taylor

10. "An Evening Hymn" - By Thomas Ken

11. "Thanksgiving of All " - By Nancy Byrd Turner

12. "Adventures of Isabel" - By Ogden Nash

13. "Eletelephony" - By Laura Richards


Poetry and Prose

Third Grade 99.


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Contract


between your child and you. Read it aloud and sign it in the presence of a

concerned witness. Change the contract as often as needed and change the

objective as often as needed. There will be a new contractual agreement three

times a year: one at the beginning of the school year, one mid-year, and one at the

beginning of summer break. (There are three contracts following each grade level

for your use).


this manual. A good example of a third grade students objective would be to read

15-30 minutes after school and know the 0-3 multiplication tables. Whatever the

objectives may be, make sure they are realistic.


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Beginning: Third Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement




everything I do.

Third Grade 103.









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Mid-Year: Third Grade



Date

Date

Signature

Students Name



DateSignature

Witness

Date

DateSignature

Students Name

Students Agreement

I, ________________________________, on

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