Cooke Center Grammar School Newsletter

Francis Tabone, Head of School Cindy Surdi, Assistant Head of School

Read Any Good Books Lately?

Have all our OTs gone crazy??

Dates to Remember: April 14th to 22ndNo School! Spring Break

April 24th Family support Series at CCA 6:30pm April 25th CCGSPTA

One of the most powerful tools for helping kindergartners learn to read is for parents and teachers to read themselves. Young children should not only see the adults they love reading, they should also read with them. Reading storybooks aloud to kindergarteners helps build their vocabularies, appreciation and interest in reading and background knowledge. They also see the ways an expert reader uses strategies to make meaning. Reading a book aloud to a young child always benefits him or her. Kindergarten reading comprehension is often taught using repetitive reading. While it may seem that having a child read the same story over and over would deter her reading development, it actually aids it. (although as a parent I also struggle with how many times I can endure Green Eggs and Ham) Repetitive reading allows a child to process a text multiple times. Often the first time she reads it she is focusing on decoding words rather than putting them together to make meaning. Once she has mastered the words she can move more fluently through the story and can begin making meaning. Kindergarten parents and teachers are encouraged to have children read texts aloud multiple times. This allows them to see where the child needs support in understanding words, phrases or sentences. Also, they can ask guiding questions to help children build the skills that they will eventually use independently when they read. Reading out loud to your child is a way to teach vocabulary while modeling reading. As you read aloud:

Fun is fun, no matter where

In this issue: Reading! YOGA Update Books and a Fair 1 2 3

Introduce the characteristics/elements of the story (characters, setting, problem, solution, plot) Explain words, topics, or concepts that ELLs may not be familiar with Model how a reader self-corrects when making a mistake Think aloud about what you are reading

Provide opportunities for children to retell the story they heard through dramatic retellings; or use picture cards to put the story's events in sequence (This story inspired by Joey Piazza, Kindergarten Reader)

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Yoga Update from Ms. Muna!

During this semester in Yoga students learned the Sun salutation, where 12 postures flow one after another. First they were introduced to all 12 poses and their benefits individually. Sun salutation is the most powerful and beneficial yoga sequence. Sun salutation is known as "General tonic" for entire system, which limbers and warms up the body for rest of the poses. These poses strengthen and extend the long muscles of front and back of the body. It increases hip and spinal flexibility, which allows the range of motion and flexibility of the ribcage. Sun salutation helps to maintain a healthy heart, develop muscular stamina, and awaken the inner awareness. In one sentence, Sun salutation is a unique sequence that can stand alone without the need of other practices to maintain health.

Where in the World Is Billy English or Gail Gerzetic?

This is the time of year Billy and Gail (who need no introduction) are out and about meeting and greeting students who will apply at CCGS next year. Already we have accepted over 10 students for next years enrolment. The admissions department is doing a wonderful job of finding students who will be a good fit for our community and enhance the social/emotional, interpersonal, and community spirit of our school. When our students get to middle school their coursework is departmentalized so we are able to add a cohort of students. Plus, our 8th graders are moving to high school. This means we always have a new group of middle school students. It is wonderful to be able to offer students new friendships and groups, which only enhances the dynamics and social skills of the students. We have many new kindergarten students as well. Despite what you may think, many factors other than how adorable they are come into play making these admissions decisions. As we are thinking about next years groupings, now is a good time to contact the school for any issues or concerns about next years placements. Groupings are always based on the social, adaptive, interpersonal dynamics of the students.

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A Great Read
I had the pleasure of working with Alfie Kohn over a series of workshops on writing when I was a teacher in the public schools. Fortunately, I had a principal who saw the value of progressive education and valued a holistic approach to education. This book highlights much of that concept. It is especially valuable for our students. Starting with our students strengths and interests is paramount in helping us provide them a well rounded and full experience. In an era of skill and drill, and high stakes testing, we miss the opportunity to nurture the most fundamental processes our students offer. The diversity of skills and wisdom they have must be fostered. I especially appreciate the books focus on scientifically rigorous outcomes for students who are denied a diverse and well rounded school experience. All parents should read this. Whether you agree with him or not, the data is most interesting!

Visit Alfiekohn.org

COOKE CENTER ANNUAL STREET FAIR Saturday, MAY 3RD 12:00 4:00PM
@ THE COOKE CENTER ACADEMY 60 MACDOUGAL STREET ITS A FUN-FILLED DAY OUTDOORS for STUDENTS AND FAMILIES FOOD CRAFTS GAMES

FREE FOR ALL COOKE FAMILIES ALL RAFFLE SALES GO TO KEEP THE ANNUAL STREET FAIR FREE SO SELL THOSE RAFFLE TICKETS TO VOLUNTEER EMAIL: CATHERINE sean.herlihy@mac.com