Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-January 14, 2009 Issue

Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • January 14, 2009 Schools Now Registering (ARA) At this time of year, thousands of people challenge themselves to quit smoking, exercise more, or eat better. All of these are worthy goals, but there are other pursuits that get left off the New Years’ resolution list. Children who grow up reading with their parents attend school more regularly and are more likely to complete their educations. Why not add “helping your child to read” to your list of resolutions for 2009? Let’s face it, the pleasure of bonding with your child over a favorite book is bound to make this resolution easier to keep than your resolution to go to the gym. “There’s no substitute for reading with your child,” says Kyle Zimmer, president and co-founder of First Book, a nonprofit group that distributes books to children in low-income families. “Early and frequent A new resolution: Help your child learn to read reading with children builds important skills and helps them learn to love reading, and it’s fun to do.” Studies show parental involvement in early child literacy matters even more to student success than family income or family education. Hooked on Phonics is hosting a website -- www.LearnToRead2009.com -- where families can sign-up to make a New Year’s resolution to help children read. When they do, Hooked on Phonics will donate a Learn to Read kit to First Book. To help you and your child get your resolution off to a good start, here are a few tips for 2009: Set aside “special time” for reading with your child. Just 20 minutes a day will help make reading part of their daily routine. Create a “reading space” in your home. A comfortable chair, a library of fun and interesting books, a fuzzy rug -- anything that makes your child feel comfortable and ready to learn. Let your child choose the books to read. This will encourage your child to take an active role and will make certain your child is interested in the subject matter. Indulge your child and read the same book multiple times. Hearing a book repeated helps your child become more familiar with the language and the story. As you read, pause in places to allow your child to complete a rhyme or repeat a phrase or sentence. Point to words as you read and encourage your child to repeat them after you. As your child begins to recognize some of the letters, challenge him to find a particular letter on a page. Point out words everywhere. Road signs, advertising, billboards, menus, and posters can all be opportunities to read. Open House Monday, Jan. 12th to Friday, Jan 23rd 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM CLASSES OFFFERED Mommy & Me (Tuesday or Wednesday) • First Step (M/W or T/Th &/or F) Level I (T/Th am or M/W/F am or pm) • Level II (M/W/F) Level II Enrichment (M-F) • Lunch Bunch and Extended Hours available REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE OPEN HOUSE 125 Glasgow Terrace, Mahwah, NJ 07430 • 201-529-2117 Director, Mrs. Lesley Ayre Some parents may not realize the benefits of giving the gift of time to a fiveyear-old who is chronologically ready for kindergarten, but not necessarily academically or socially ready. This gift is an enriched kindergarten readiness class called transitional kindergarten. The program includes extended math and reading readiness, social studies, science, music, art, physical education, and Bible. Children are encouraged to become more independent with additional time spent on letters and letter sounds, rhyming, language expansion, following directions, math concepts, and self-help skills. This class bridges the pre-K and kindergarten School experiences offer beneﬁts to ﬁve-year-olds experience in a loving environment. This class is currently available in Allendale’s newest preschool: Nanny’s Nest Nursery School. Nanny’s Nest also offers classes for two-and-a-half, three- and fouryear-olds. Other options include Lunch Bunch, extended play, and several enrichment classes. The preschool’s newest class, Kindergarten Plus, is a unique enrichment program for the Hillside School students to enrich their day before or after their kindergarten session. Visit online at www.nannysnestnurseryschool.com or call (201) 236-0700 and speak with Director Jill Lewis for additional information. Come Grow With Us www.holycrossnurseryschool.com �� Infants, Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten, Grades 1-6, Ages 6 weeks to 12 years A Truly Unique Montessori School • Unique Phonics Reading Program • Computers • Music • Foreign Language • 3 or 5 Half Days • Full Days 7am - 6pm • Fastrackids • Character Education • Parenting Seminars • Dance Academy CORE of the APPLE Summer Camp �� • Daily Swimmming Lessons, Heated Pool designed for safety of young children • Sports/Organized Games • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Music/Dance • In House Events Call, visit and • Nature & Science compare the advantages gained for • Computers • Cooking your child... www.applemontessorischools.com 192 Ramapo Valley Rd. OAKLAND 201-337-0183 Please call for our other locations 973-696-9750 Nevins Rd. WAYNE 75 East Ramapo Valley Rd. MAHWAH 201-512-1141