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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, January 22, 2015 | 32 Fun ways to improve your family's literacy Advertorial Tradition meets inspiration Since 1989, Sherwood Heights School continues to rest solidly on its tradition of delivering academically successful programs fitted within a well-suited and immensely inspiring educational environment. The academic programs are set to high standards and aim to take students to the next level in their education, encouraging them to achieve their very best. The well-rounded and enriched curriculum is based on formal textbooks and workbooks, and places a strong emphasis on all the subject areas where students are encouraged to strive for excellence. "It is with vibrant energy and intense enthusiasm that our students excel at learning and that is what sets our school apart," says headmistress Christine Mutlak. "Not only are our students enveloped in a rich and comprehensive curriculum, but they are nurtured, supported and inspired by passionate and qualified teachers who always deliver a little extra. Our students are also motivated and challenged with a wide range of extra-curricular activities. At the end of the day, it's not unusual for our students to say they are not ready to go home yet!" Sherwood Heights provides the environment where achievement, academics and personal development unite in perfect balance to produce resourceful, responsible and exemplary members of our community today and global citizens for the future. So, Sherwood Heights is not just a place; it is a way of life where tradition meets inspiration. For further information, please call 905569-8999 or visit us on the web at www. sherwoodheights.ca. Sherwood Heights SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL CON F C NC E X E K NOW LED GE E SHERWOOD HEIGHTS SCHOOL "Excellence in Education since 1989" A private coeducational school offering a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum from preschool to grade eight. By Stephanie Wells Parents are a child's first teacher and there are endless ways to foster literacy skills in your children (while strengthening your own skills along the way)! Get started with these fun tips: 1. Ensure that your child knows that how well they read or write has nothing to do with their intelligence. Every person is intelligent and needs to learn in the way and at a pace that suits them. With practice, your child will become a good reader. 2. Use the television as a learning tool. After your children watch a TV show, talk to them about it. Ask questions like, "What was your favourite part?" or "What was the episode trying to teach the audience?" This reinforces media literacy skills that are crucial to today's children. 3. Children model behaviour they see. Ensure that your child sees you reading whether it's the newspaper, flyers or cooking instructions. This shows your child how important it is to be able to read. 4. While reading to your child, pause to ask them what they predict will happen next or have them summarize what has happened thus far. Good readers think about what they are reading and this reinforces critical thinking skills. 5. Kids love music. Have your child read the lyrics to their favourite song. When your child hears the song, he will visualize the lyrics he reads. Visualization is a comprehension strategy necessary for good reading. 6. When you are at the grocery store or out for a walk, have your child read signs, posters and flyers. This will enhance her reading skills and teach her to be an active and engaged consumer. 7. All reading is good reading. Engage reluctant readers with comics, graphic novels, magazines or instructions for their favourite games. They will encounter new words and be motivated to learn new ideas and information. 8. Connect with your local library. All libraries sponsor literacy events such as book clubs, read alouds and author visits ­ and lend books and audiobooks for free. 9. If your family spends a lot of time in the car, play an audio book. Developing good listening skills is an important part of literacy--and of being a good communicator. 10. Have your children help you make dinner by reading a recipe. Making them your helper will build their confidence. 11. Play board games that involve reading with your child. This reinforces that literacy skills connect with everyday fun activities. 12. Select books at your child's reading ability and not the reading level your child "should" be at. If your child feels like every time they read, they are going to fail or be criticized, they will resist reading. Developing literacy skills requires practice and patience, by making the process enjoyable for everyone you can alleviate anxiety and open the door to developing lifelong literacy skills. ABC Life Literacy Canada has more family literacy tips and activity ideas online at www. FamilyLiteracyDay.ca. Small Class Sizes with Personal Attention & Care Enriched Curriculum with a Strong Emphasis on Core Subjects Gr. 5 to 8 High School Academic Preparation Program Advanced Computer, Business & Technology Studies French at all Levels Full & Part-time Kindergarten Programs Indoor Gym/Outdoor Playgrounds Extracurricular Clubs Computer, Music & Library Areas Transportation Available Before/After School Care Programs LL E NC E E ID The door that opens so many more. Kennedy Campus Recognized as one of Canada's finest elementary schools, Fern Hill provides the educational foundation that allows ideas, thinking and confidence to flourish. Opening doors and a world of opportunities. Inspiring young minds and unleashing unlimited potential. OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 24, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Erin Mills Campus 3065 Glen Erin Dr., Mississauga (one block north of Dundas) 5870 Kennedy Rd., Mississauga (one block south of Britannia) (905) 569-8999 (905) 712-4343 www.sherwoodheights.com - info@sherwoodheights.com OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 24 th, 9 am- 1pm 3300 Ninth Line,Oakville, ON Ph: 905-257- 0022 fernhillschool.com