What Are Sight Words and Why Are They Important?

What Are Sight Words and Why Are They Important?

by Courtenay M. Language Development
What Are Sight Words?

What Are Sight Words and Why Are They Important? Image courtesy of www.windsor.k12..mo.us

Like many families this week, your children are heading back to the classroom and coming home with a worksheet or two of homework. (Make that dozens of worksheets for your older kids!) The homework that caught my eye this week is the list of “sight words.” What are sight words? Sight words (high-frequency words, core words or even popcorn words) are the words that are used most often in reading and writing. According to Teach Stix:

In classrooms across America, the development of sight word recognition continues to be a top priority when instructing emerging and beginning readers.

They are called “sight” words because the goal is for your child to recognize these words instantly, at first sight.

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Is my Child Ready for Preschool? 10 Step Checklist

Is my Child Ready for Preschool? 10 Step Checklist

by Courtenay M. Parents' Corner School
Is your child preschool ready?

Preschool Ready Checklist. source: www.scholastic.com

Is your child ready for preschool in the Fall? We know that it’s only May, but it’s never too early to assess whether or not your child will be preschool ready come September. And, with Summer fast approaching, there is plenty of opportunity to work with your child to refine his or her basic skills which are often referred to as “school-readiness” skills. All children develop on their own unique schedule! If he’s not there yet, be patient, he will be soon!

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Understanding Common Core Standards

Understanding Common Core Standards

by Courtenay M. Language Development School

Common Core Standards

What is the Common Core Standards Initiative?
Image: www.corestandards.org

Common Core Standards are a hot topic around here!  But, what exactly are these standards and why do we need to become familiar with them?  Common Core Standards are a clear set of benchmarks for what children will be learning in English language, arts/literacy and math from kindergarten through high school. Adopted by 44 states and District of Columbia, the Common Core State Standards outline what exactly a student should know and should be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards emphasize skills that ensure students graduating from high school are prepared to take college-level classes or enter the workforce. Unlike previous state standards, which varied greatly from state to state, the Common Core Standards seek to establish collaboration among the participating states on a range of tools, textbooks, digital media and teaching focus and materials. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Coming to Your School Soon!

by Courtenay M. News Parents' Corner School Speech Disorders Speech Therapist

 

Speech Buddies Demo

Speech Buddies Coming to A School Near You! Sign Up to try a Professional Set for FREE!

Articulate Technologies is taking its Speech Buddies tools on a road trip! Now through the middle of May, we will be visiting schools in California, Washington, Colorado & Arizona. While we have toured schools throughout the Southeast region for the past year, we are excited to bring Speech Buddies to schools and SLPs in the Western part of the country.

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6 Things To Expect from Speech Therapy at School

by Courtenay M. Parents' Corner School Speech Disorders Speech Therapist Speech Therapy for Kids
Speech Therapy at School

What Can You Expect from Speech Therapy at School?

Your child has a speech impediment and is scheduled to begin kindergarten in the fall. Like most parents, you are filled with excitement about the upcoming year. For parents whose children have speech disorders, the excitement can be coupled with anxiety about how the other children in the class will react to your child’s speech impediment and how well your child will learn in a classroom setting. As we mentioned in our previous blog, research has shown that children with speech disorders are more likely to be the target of bullying and teasing. What can you do to help prepare your child, teacher, and your child’s class? You can start by addressing the issue with your school’s Speech- Language Pathologist. An on-site, school SLP is an excellent resource for parents to help prepare their child with language and confidence-building skills for the school year.

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