Tomlin Academic Coaching

With all the school closures, consider downloading Libby, the app from the Sac County Library. Great resource, just requires a library card and a few minutes to set up. I just did it myself in less than 2 minutes.

Home Books are just the beginning

As you plan to attend a Parent Teacher Conference, make a list of questions you may have. Be sure to look at work samples. One great question to consider to ask.... "When do you see my kiddo working at a high level- what time of the day does that happen?" It could be a great clue to their overall learning. Are they at their best in the mornings? After a recess, a snack or after lunch? Feel free to message me for a more complete list of questions to consider asking.

Looking to help engage your kiddo with reading. Check out this great website.

Instantly access 25,000 high-quality books for kids Read free for 30 days

This time of the year I get a number of questions on the state testing and the new Smarter Balanced Assessment. Here is a link to check out. It gives an overview of the test. Please message me if you have any questions! http://www.greatschools.org/gk/common-core-test-guide-for-parents-faq/

Welcome to the GreatKids Test Guide for Parents: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) | GreatSchools

Thoughts to consider as you prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Adapted from the CA PTA Parent Engagement Handbook.
Parent
–Teacher Conferences
One of the best ways for parents and teachers to establish and reinforce the home -school partnership is to get together for a parent-teacher conference. It offers a great opportunity to focus on how well a student is doing at school by sharing information, asking questions and devising ways to better support student learning.
•Before the Conference
Take time to talk to your child about what he or she likes to do at school. Let the teacher know more about your child’s strengths and challenges and what he or she likes to do with free time.
To ensure the success of the upcoming conference, prepare questions to ask the teacher about classroom activities, homework and your child’s academic and social progress.
•At the Conference Exchange views and information with the teacher about how well your child is doing in school and how he
or she can do even better. Ask the questions on your list to learn more about your child’s achievements, development and growth.
Find out more about what specific steps you can take to better support student learning at home is also an important part of your
conversation with the teacher.
•After the Conference
Share what you have learned at the conference with your child, emphasizing the positive feedback from his or her teacher. Put together an action plan with your child on how you will help with learning at home.
As follow up, arrange to talk again with your child’s teacher in the next few months to assess your child’s ongoing progress in school.
Making the most of parent-teacher conferences lets parents, teachers and schools work together more effectively as a team to help students achieve their potential.
When students know parents and teachers are partners in their learning network, they see that education is a high priority requiring commitment and effort to have a successful school year!

Good read.

Why Math Education in the U.S. Doesn't Add Up Research shows that an emphasis on memorization, rote procedures and speed impairs learning and achievement