MSI Press Blog

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.                                                             #118 DRTA: Directed Reading-Thinking Activity   Oh, magic hour, when a child first knows she can read printed words! ~A Tree Grows in Brooklyn               Directed Reading Thinking Activity is a comprehension strategy that focuses on helping children ask questions about the text and make predictions before reading. This technique encourages students to be active readers and gives them a purpose for reading. It also helps them monitor their understanding of the text as they are reading. In this strategy, the parent is involved. When your child has an informationa...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.                                                                     #112 Books as Gifts   Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside them, and it’s much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world. ~Neil Gaiman               How many times has your child been invited to a birthday party and can’t think of anything to buy his friend? When it is time for your child’s birthday, is he stumped for ideas? The next time you are stuck trying to figure out what to buy as a gift for a child, think about a book!          ...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #46 Other Problems   Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. ~William Ellery Channing   There are various reasons why some children struggle in school, but not all of the reasons are related to academics.             Situations and problems at home can greatly affect your child’s academic success. A sensitive child may not be able to focus or concentrate because of a change in family structure such as separation or divorce, a death of a loved one, or even feelings of guilt due to harsh words exchanged.             Your family’s life is personal, as it should be. However, if there is a serious situation occurring at home that you feel is or could be affecting y...