Port Barre Elementary School

Help your child learn how to get smarter Studies show that people who believe in the value of hard work can face challenges, learn from them, and get smarter. When your child hits a learning obstacle, say things like, "I know you can do it. What else could you try?" Point out the effects of effort: "If you work on your project every day, you're sure to be proud of the result." Praise persistence, too: "You didn't give up until you figured it out! Your effort is making you smarter." https://tpitip.com/?15dY17376

Enrich your family time with four R's To create a family life that will support your child's efforts in school, keep four R's in mind: Routines, Rules, Responsibilities and Rituals. Routines make things go more smoothly by helping kids know what's coming next. Rules let them know where the boundaries are. Responsibilities teach them to care for themselves and others. And family rituals, such as a Friday pizza night, bring everyone closer. https://tpitip.com/?15dX17376

Studying can be a group effort Sometimes, studying in a group can be more effective than studying alone. To help set up a study group before a test, have your child find three or four friends who want to work together. At group meetings, the students can list key facts, then quiz one another. They can also discuss long-answer questions they think might be on the test. Then, each child can provide an answer to one or two at the next meeting. https://tpitip.com/?15dW17376

Be patient and firm when your child tests limits All kids need limits, and most of them will test those limits. When your child challenges the rules, stop and listen. Hear your child out. Then, respond briefly with your decision: "I understand that your friends watch that show and then do their assignments, but you know our family rule: Schoolwork comes first." When your child does the right thing, offer a positive consequence: "You stuck to your study schedule all week. Let's celebrate with a special treat." https://tpitip.com/?15dV17376

Support your student when learning is a struggle If your child has difficulty learning, you may worry about the effects on your child's self-image. Explain that everyone struggles to learn things at times. You might share examples from your own life. Be honest but optimistic about learning issues your child may have, and praise and develop your student's strengths. Then, work with the teacher and the school to find ways to support and motivate your child. https://tpitip.com/?15dU17376

Some screen activities can be a positive thing Here are a few ways you can use the internet and other digital media to promote learning: You and your child can "visit" exciting world destinations. You can help your child find videos, apps and websites that show how to make things, and work on projects together. Or, look for sites that introduce new ideas, and then discuss them. You can even strengthen family ties by going online to explore your heritage together. https://tpitip.com/?15dT17376

Show your child what listening looks like Research shows that in order to retain what they hear, students need to focus their attention, then review important information. Be a listening role model for your child. For example, encourage your student to talk about the school day. Then, show you are paying attention by making eye contact and listening patiently. Restate the important points your child makes to confirm your understanding. https://tpitip.com/?15dS17376

Don't let perfectionism interfere with learning Children who spend all their time trying to be perfect may actually end up hurting their ability to learn. Show that you value who your child is, not what your child does. Help your student decide what work is important and what isn't (researching the report is; coloring the cover for hours probably isn't). Encourage your child to take appropriate risks, and make it clear that it's OK to make mistakes. https://tpitip.com/?15dR17376

Kindergarten students were able to investigate the life cycle of a butterfly! They watched as the caterpillars became a chrysalis and finally a butterfly!

📢 Easter/Spring Break Announcement Easter/Spring Break will take place from Friday, April 18 through Friday, April 25, 2025. Students will return to school on Monday, April 28, 2025. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing break!

Please come out and support!

Kindergarten had a blast on their Easter egg hunt!

Beautiful Butterflies

Kindergarteners enjoyed learning about the life cycle of a butterfly.

Help your child learn decision-making from experience The best way to learn to make good decisions is by making lots of them. Give your child plenty of chances to make choices and learn from the results. A young child can decide between two lunch options. An older child can decide which assignment to tackle first. Just be sure to maintain the boundaries; deciding not to do schoolwork at all isn't an option. Then, help your child connect the choices made with their outcomes. https://tpitip.com/?15dQ17376

The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus Thursday, April 17, 2025. Find those refillable cups and put them in your bookbag. Prices range from $3 - $7. Please send money with your child in the morning.

Help your child feel secure when the news is scary When the stories in the news are scary, the way you talk to your child about them matters. Start by finding out about your child's fears, which may be different from reality. Explain that you and other adults are working to keep your child safe. Then, like Mr. Rogers suggested, help your child look for the helpers during difficult times. https://tpitip.com/?15dP17376

This is the last week of 21st Century Tutoring. Tomorrow, April 16 will be the last day for tutoring. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus Thursday, April 17, 2025. Find those refillable cups and put them in your bookbag. Prices range from $3 - $7. Please send money with your child in the morning.

Reminder: Fun day shirt order and money are due no later than April 16. The cost is $15 per shirt.