Why is reading independently such an important part of learning to read? In this episode, I’m joined by Serina Sota, a veteran first grade teacher, to talk about what children gain from reading on their own, what independent reading looks like in the classroom, and how parents can help make independent reading a joyful activity at home.

In This Episode

• How independent reading builds skills, stamina, fluency, and confidence
• How children choose books for independent reading in the classroom
• Why rereading books is valuable for beginning readers
• How families can encourage independent reading at home, including ways to support a child who is reluctant to read on their own

Guest Information

Serina Sota is a first grade teacher with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. She has been an active member of her school community, serving on the STEM leadership team, School and District Equity leadership teams as well as serving as a facilitator for SEED.

Resources

For free K-2 reading and math activities, games, videos and parent resources, visit https://www.slamhomelearning.org/

About

From Classroom to Home is a podcast from Supporting Literacy And Math (SLAM) for parents of children in kindergarten through second grade. Each episode explores an important part of your child’s school experience, giving you a better understanding of what’s happening in the classroom and helpful ways to support your child at home.

Connect With Us

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone you think might find it helpful.

What can parents do to help their child build friendships? In this episode, I’m joined by Katy Boucher, a certified school counselor and founder of The Accord School to talk about friendships during the early elementary years and how parents can support their child navigate them.

In This Episode

• What friendships typically look like in kindergarten, first, and second grade
• How different personalities can affect the way children approach friendships and social situations
• How teachers support children when friendship problems arise
• How parents can support friendship skills by managing their own emotions and coaching from the sidelines

Guest Information

Katy Boucher is a certified school counselor and has spent over 25 years working with children and their families. She is currently the Founding Director of The Accord School and is a frequent public speaker.

Resources

For free K-2 reading and math activities, games, videos and parent resources, visit https://www.slamhomelearning.org/

About

From Classroom to Home is a podcast from Supporting Literacy And Math (SLAM) for parents of children in kindergarten through second grade. Each episode explores an important part of your child’s school experience, giving you a better understanding of what’s happening in the classroom and helpful ways to support your child at home.

Connect With Us

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone you think might find it helpful.

What if one of the best ways to help your child learn math is to play a game? In today’s episode, I’m talking with educator and math specialist Christine Chapuis about how games support math learning in K-2 classrooms and how families can play simple games to build math skills at home.

In This Episode

• How math games build foundational skills and confidence
• The skills children develop beyond math when playing a game
• How teachers use games in the classroom and what they learn by watching children play
• Simple math games families can play and how to help when children get frustrated or have a hard time losing

Guest Information
Christine Chapuis has been in education for over 25 years. She has worked as a classroom teacher, school-based mathematics coach, and at the district level. She has an endorsement as a K-8 Mathematics Specialist. Her work has centered on supporting students and teachers in developing a love of mathematics.

Resources
For free K-2 reading and math activities, games, videos and parent resources, visit https://www.slamhomelearning.org/

About
From Classroom to Home is a podcast from Supporting Literacy And Math (SLAM) for parents of children in kindergarten through second grade. Each episode explores an important part of your child’s school experience, giving you a better understanding of what’s happening in the classroom and helpful ways to support your child at home.

Connect With Us
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone you think might find it helpful.