What is it?

We are trying out the Family Home Journal this year as a way to extend the conversation at home regarding what happens at school. In doing so, we hope to solidify reading and writing skills. We also hope to have students reflect, over time, on all that they do at school. We also want parents to model their own writing and thinking for their children.

What does one do?

Monday night through Thursday night each week, read over your child's comment from the day. Respond to it on the back of the page in your own writing. Share your thinking as you write. Your short note is really just a memory piece in a larger conversation. Your response can address your child's journal entry, or it can note some other positive change that you have seen at home. The key is to respond positively to something you have seen your child learn. For example: "I noticed this week that you have mastered the skill of tying your own shoes. Congratulations!!" (Shoe-tying is a big accomplishment for many first graders.)

Also, please read with your child. The goal is at least 20 minutes. Your child can read to you. You can read to her or him. Or you can share duties. The point is, however, read. You reading together is one of the biggest determiners of students becoming successful readers. They also need to see you reading on your own in order to set their own purpose for reading. Mark the time you read with your child in the box and sign it. That is it for the Family Journal.