Mrs. Henke's Welcome Letter

KL;K

Welcome To Mrs. Henke’s Kindergarten Class

My name is Mrs. Heather Henke, and I am delighted to be your child’s teacher this year. Kindergarten is a time of new beginnings, of making friends, and of learning lots of new things each and every day. Our days and weeks will be filled with many wonderful experiences and opportunities for learning and growing.

We will learn all about letters and sounds this year, and will be doing lots of writing activities, too. The children are always proud of the stories and books they create and are anxious to share their new skills. Families can help at home this summer by practicing with their children to recognize and write the alphabet and by reading with their child daily, and encouraging them. When practicing your child’s letters… please work on lowercase letters first and more often, as these are what we use more often in writing and reading. We will also be learning all about numbers, building on important math concepts including sorting, counting, graphing, classifying, patterns, time and money, measurement, and addition and subtraction.

As soon as we settle in, I'll be sending you home a HONEYBEE BOOK (Having Organization Nurtures & Educates Youth – Bring Everything Everyday), which is a binder filled with information regarding our daily schedule, newsletters, homework calendar, etc. You will also soon learn about our Home Reading Connection Program, which I’m certain you’ll want your student to be a part of!

Attached please also find a Supply List, and in the meantime, you can go to my class website for additional information on the ABC’s of Kindergarten (specified for our classroom) and skill practice for your child. Go to: www.oocities.org/teacherhenke

Throughout the year, whenever you have questions, suggestions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by e-mail or leave a message at school (954.922.1217). I'm looking forward to a wonderful year with you and your child!

Mrs. Henke

2005 - 2006

Home Reading Contract / Letter of Consent

Dear Families:

I have a special program in my classroom that I am very excited about, as it helps each and every child to become a better reader. As you already know, learning to read takes lots of practice, and we can’t do it all at school without your help. In just 15 minutes per day, you can help your child by listening to them read to you and by reading to him or her daily.

Reading is the key to your child’s success in school. Good readers enjoy books and do well in their schoolwork. Whether your child is just beginning to learn the letter sounds and names, is reading a few sight words, or is already reading books and stories, Home Reading will allow him or her to greatly improve their reading skills. Participation in my Home Reading Program is voluntary, and all students are eligible to take part in this terrific activity. My only requirements are that children have a backpack to carry the books to and from school, and that they demonstrate responsibility in the classroom and on the playground.

Here’s how my Home Reading Program works:
1. Every Monday through Thursday, your child will bring home a book at their independent reading level, in their HONEYBEE BOOK. You will listen to your child read the book to you several times that evening, giving them encouragement and praise. Multiple readings build skills, comprehension, and fluency. You and your child will spend approximately 15 minutes together each night reading the book they chose.

2. Before reading the book, look at the pictures and discuss what the book is about. (Even adults usually know what a book is about before they read it. That’s why they print a brief explanation on the back of novels and other books).

If your child is a beginning reader, you should ask them if they know any of the words in the book. Always praise their attempts: for example, if the word is "pretty" but they say "park," tell them that both words start with "p" and encourage them to look further into the word and use the letter sounds to try to figure out the word. Children should also be encouraged to use other clues for figuring out words, such as pictures or the meaning of the sentence. Your main job is to ENCOURAGE your new reader and give them the confidence that they CAN and DO read, at whatever level is appropriate. This has to be a positive experience for the child. If your child isn’t ready to read at home daily, we’ll stop and try again at another time when they are more ready.

3. Write the title of the book on the front of the envelope, and sign your name.

4. Return the book the next day. Sometimes they may need further practice with a book… keep it at home until your child is ready to move on. If a child frequently forgets to return their book, they may not be ready for Home Reading. We can try again at a later date, when they are ready for more responsibility.

5. Please take very good care of these books. Many children will use these books, and they are not easy to replace. If the book is damaged or lost, I will ask for a replacement fee of $4.00 per book. Your child will not bring any more books home until the fee is paid.

6. Each time your child has read 20 books and recorded them on their incentive chart, I will give them a new book to keep, as a gift from me to encourage their good reading habits.

7. You and your child need to discuss this plan before committing to it. If you both agree that the time is right to spend about 15 minutes each day reading, please complete and return only the bottom portion of this letter.

HAPPY READING!

Mrs. Henke

-------------------------------- cut here and return -------------------------------------------------------
YES! My child ______________________________ is ready to read about 15 minutes with me each night. We will take full responsibility for the books sent home and will pay a replacement fee of $4.00 for any book that is lost or damaged.
_____________________________ ______________ _________________
Parent's Signature Date Phone Number
_____________________________
Student’s Signature