A MESSAGE FROM OUR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL:
Most parents are aware of the importance of reading aloud to their children, and bedtime stories are often a favorite ritual. The practice of reading aloud, however, falls by the wayside as kids become more independent readers and schedules become busier. Reading out loud to older children, however, is hugely important. Here are 6 reasons why reading aloud to older kids matters, and matters a great deal.
1. Children listen on a different level than they read. Jim Trelease, the author of the respected Read-Aloud Handbook, told GreatSchools.net, "A child's reading level doesn't catch up to his listening level until eighth grade. You can and should be reading seventh-grade books to fifth-grade kids. They'll get excited about the plot, which is motivation to keep reading. A fifth-grader can enjoy a more complicated plot than she can read herself, and reading aloud is really going to hook her."
2. Life Lessons. Not only do you find life lessons in books, they can be easier for a child to internalize in that format as opposed to you telling them. Reading aloud can also foster discussion about social issues, beliefs and feelings.
3. Enjoyment. Reading aloud is a chance to introduce kids to fun books, to genres different from what they read in school and to new authors. If kids see reading only as an assignment, they're not likely to become lifelong readers. If they see a parent enjoying reading, the chances of them enjoying it too go up.
4. Reading aloud with older children helps builds vocabulary. Researchers found that "books contain many words, especially the more sophisticated words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Children’s books contain 50% more rare words than prime-time television
5. Physical closeness. Reading aloud requires proximity of the listener and reader. It's tough to pull off from across the house, or even across the room. Although you're not as likely to snuggle as your child ages, the closeness that comes from reading together can be comforting and even wonderful side benefit for both parties.
6. Sense of security. I remember hearing a while back that it is most important for a parent to make a child feel safe, and that comes before anything else, even making them feel loved. I'm convinced that reading with a parent, at any age, conveys a sense of security.
Enjoy a good book with your child this holiday season!
Impact Aid Forms
Dear Parents,
Last week, your child brought home what is called an Impact Aid Survey form . Please complete the survey and send it back to your child’s teacher by December 17, 2018. It is important that we receive the survey from all students that attend our school. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Please read the overview about why we collect the survey.
Understanding Impact Aid
The Impact Aid Program was formed to help make up the lost local tax base to school districts imposed upon by federal property.
People living on Federal property do not pay local property tax
People working on federal property in turn, work for companies that do not pay local property tax or other applicable fees for operating a business.
Uniformed service members both active and retired have the ability to shop for food and other items at the Post/Base Exchanges and commissary that do not charge local sales tax.
** Impact Aid is a federal program governed by Federal Law and Regulations. While funds received under the Impact Aid Program are unrestricted and can be used as needed by school districts; the application process is very specific.
Please return this completed form to your child's teacher as soon as you can.
Transportation Changes
Chorus
All Are Invited!
"The Great Big Holiday Bake-Off"
Presented by the Pontiac Chorus
Monday, December 10th from 7:00 - 7:30 pm
Richland Two District Auditorium located on the Richland Northeast High School Campus
7500 Brookfield Road, Columbia, 29223
Suggested donation: $2 adults, $1 children
It's down to the wire and the remaining contestants in our confectionary cooking competition are assigned one final task - fantastic holiday treats! What will it be? Sugar cookies? hot chocolate? A candy-covered gingerbread house? This delicious 30 minute musical delivers all the goodies with scrumptious songs and scenes that are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Two hosts, a pair of judges, six star bakers, and our Pontiac chorus are just the right recipe for fun!
About Us
Visit our Website: http://cmsweb1.richland2.org/PE/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pontiacelementary
Follow our Blog: http://pontiacpress.blogspot.com/
Twitter @PontiacElem Phone 803-699-2700
Address
500 Spears Creek Church Rd.
Elgin, SC 29045
Principal Dr. Katie Barber
Assistant Principals Mrs. DeAnna Savage and Mr. Jessie Williams
Phone: 8036992700
