Homework Help for Parents!

http://monkeysee.com/play/13523-how-to-help-your-child-with-homework

This is a GREAT site with video clips that gives parents ideas on working with their children on homework. I especially like the ones about the "fidgety" child and the child who gets emotional. I think these were beneficial for the classroom so I hope you enjoy them and can use them as well!

There's also "related videos" that talk about a variety of topics such as discipline, picky eaters, ADHD, whining,and potty training- I'm definitely using this one!! :-)

What should 5 year olds be able to do?

Ms. Edwards, another kindergarten teacher here, recommends this book for parents. I personally have not read it but flipped through and loved the checklists it provides. Obviously most of your children have mastered these things but just in case you're wondering (or you have younger siblings) here you go! I have scanned an example about fine motors. If you are interested in seeing more of the checklists leave a comment and I can post them as well! (thinking skills, social skills, gross motor, etc).



Below is a paper I sent out when the children started in my room but just in case you didn't get to see it here it is again.

How to Tie Your Shoes Step By Step for Kids

Below are simple instructions for tying shoes. However the catch is to use a jump rope under your child's knees while you sit behind them. This way your child can clearly see what you are doing. Stop after each step and practice it over and over until it is mastered. I hope this helps many of you!


Once a child reaches the age of 5, he has usually developed the dexterity necessary to learn how to tie his shoes. Teaching a child to tie his shoes is a frustrating---yet rewarding---process. The skill takes a lot of practice, not to mention patience. Work through these steps with your child, showing him how each step is done before he attempts it.

Instructions
1. Start with the shoelaces hanging down to the sides of the shoe. Pick the shoelaces up and make an "X" with them.

2. Bring the top shoelace down to the bottom of the X and draw it through, then pull the laces tight.

3. Make a loop out of the right lace with your right hand. Hold it tight, then make another loop out of the left lace with your left hand. The laces will look like two floppy bunny ears.

4. Cross the right loop in front of the left loop, making another X.



















5. Pull the right loop over the left loop. Bring it back and through the bottom of the X, then pull the loops tightly.

Read more: How to Tie Your Shoes Step By Step for Kids | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5943746_tie-shoes-step-step-kids.html#ixzz1JicGF5JH