Parents: I am already being asked by parents what you can do to help your child do well on Florida Writes! which we will take in February. The Department of Education (www.fldoe.org ) gives the following suggestions for parents:

• Discuss what your child is reading and writing at school with him or her.
• Have your child write letters to friends and relatives.
• Write your child notes about the chores you want him or her to do, and include instructions.
• Speak with me about your child's writing development.
• Display your child's writing on the refrigerator or a bulletin board in your home.
• Demonstrate how you yourself use writing daily (reports for your job, applications, letters to the editor, friends, family)

If you would like to discuss your child's writing level right now, I am able to do that at your convenience. Your child has completed a baseline sample of persuasive writing, as well as one of expository writing, and we can talk about the written pieces, and my strategies for helping your child to become a better writer. Feel free to call me (381-7440 x. 187) to set up a time when we can meet.

Parents and Students: When you visit this site, please leave a comment to let me know you have been here. I want this site to be an effective way to communicate with both my students and their parents, but I need to know who is reading my posts. Thanks for your help!

Students: Our contest for Friday is this: The first student in each class that comes to me with the answer to the following question will get extra credit on his grades.

Question: How many words will you be exposed to if you read 25 books this year?

Good Luck!

Mrs. Short