Reading and Writing
Learning to read and write is the basis for all learning and reading is everywhere. With this in mind, our goal is to motivate children to want to read so they will practice reading independently and, thus, become fluent readers. That happens when children enjoy reading.
Through reading, our children find the tools they need to succeed in life since it stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. Having access to information through the printed word is an absolute necessity.
Knowledge is power, and books are full of it. But reading is more than just a practical tool. Through books we can enrich our minds; we can also relax and enjoy some precious leisure moments.
With your help, our children can begin a lifelong relationship with the printed word, so they grow into adults who read easily and frequently whether for business, knowledge, or pleasure.
Our school therefore, strongly encourages your child to engage in some reading activity every night. In the very early years this may be listening to you read or discussing storybooks with you. As they become more competent readers, you can support your child by visiting your local book shops and helping them choose books they enjoy reading.
Parental Involvement
At Ongata Royal Academy, we believe in fostering strong communication between parents and teachers. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their children's results with class teachers at the end of each term. Additionally, we encourage parents to inquire about their child’s progress throughout the term, ensuring a collaborative approach to each student’s development.
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR PARENTS
Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education at home, their children do better in school. When parents are involved at school, their children’s achievement excels and the schools they attend become even stronger. For this to be achieved, here are some tips we might want to incorporate in our daily lives with our children:
- Talk with your child often - as you eat together, shop for groceries, walk to school, wait for a bus. As he/she gets ready for school, ask about the stories and poems she is reading and what projects she has in science or art time.
Ask about friends and classmates (encourage him/her to use their names) and to describe the games they like to play together. Ask questions that will encourage her to talk, and not just give “yes” or “no” answers.
- Have your child use his imagination to make up and tell you stories - Ask questions that will encourage him to expand the stories.
- Have a conversation about recent family photographs - Ask your child to describe each picture: who is in it, what’s happening, and where the picture was taken.
- Listen to your child’s questions patiently and answer them just as patiently - If you don’t know the answer to a question, work together to find one (look things up in a book or on the computer).
- Talk about books that you’ve read together - Ask your child about favorite parts and characters in the book and answer his questions about events or characters.
- Pay attention to how much TV your child is watching - Set aside “no TV” time each day and use that time to talk together.
THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO “BE THERE FOR THE CHILD”
Be:
- An Involved Parent-Be attentive to your child, aware and together.
- A Role Model... Be caring, engaged and influential.
- A Cheerleader... Be supportive, positive and fun.
- A Partner... Be encouraging, working together.
- Their Favorite Teacher...Be there for teachable moments.
- A Friendly Critic... Be patient, accepting and flexible.
- An Advisor... Be ready to help, share your experiences.
- A Good Communicator... Be a talker, a listener and stay connected.
- A Lifelong Learner... Be inquisitive, share and most importantly read together.
- An Advocate... For your child, school and community.