To My Kids

     Hi kids! I have missed you. I have made a connection between you and me!

     Do your teachers and parents want to tell you to get your homework done?  I have to do my homework, too.  I got sick and I could not read or talk.  I started all over again. It began with the alphabet. I started with words with one syllable.  I had to sound them out in my brain, then say them aloud. Then I began to read two-syllable words. I had to think of the first syllable in my brain, and then the second part.  When I finally thought of the whole word...I could say it. Then I had to read lists of small words. I hope soon that I can read the list faster and faster. It takes a lot of practice. This week I have begun reading three and four syllable words. I use the strategy I learned with the small words whenever I figure out the large words, and soon I will read lists of longer words.

     Do you remember when I flashed word, phrase, and sentence cards to you? Do you know how you figure out an unknown word? Do you read the words around your word to see the meaning of the sentence? Do you figure out your word after finding a picture on your page? Do you have to go back to the beginning of a sentence to repeat? Most times I can understand the sentence when I correct a word and the meaning is clear.  Do you practice these strategies? Do you remember when we figured out things together? I do, and you are helping me as I reconnect the letters, sounds, words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, pages, chapters, and books!

     Do you have to eat good foods?  Do you have to rest? Do you have to listen to your teacher, your family members, and your doctors? So do I! I have to shut off my brain for a short time so I can resume my chores. Like you, I do my homework, reading, and practice. Like you, I eat fruit and vegetables, protein, and a lot of other good foods. Sometimes I like to eat a treat every day. I like cookies. I was the original Cookie Monster even before there was a Cookie Monster! Now I have to limit the cookies. I can eat a serving of two or three cookies in one day. Now that I eat less cookies, I appreciate them so much more!

     Do you enjoy your art, health and physical education, music, library, and computer classes? When I became sick, I began to use all the tools that your teachers use to help you learn. First, your art teacher helps you to draw. I could not read, but I drew pictures when I had to communicate. Second, your health and physical education teachers help train your brain and body.  I can walk without a cane or walker, and I can't wait until I can walk outside. I have a balanced diet. I can rest so that my brain can get stronger and it gets better every day. Third, your music teacher helps you with rhythm as you sing. I now have to learn the beat of reading so I can be a strong, fluent reader. Next, your librarian and your reading teachers help you select a book just for you. I have to select just-right books for me too. It is changing all the time, and my just-right books are getting challenging. You have to practice reading every day and now I do too. Lastly, your computer teacher helps you organize instructions and teaches you to search information. I can download free word games that help me build words quickly. I can read the news, email, and find stuff to learn now. I can find and read tongue twisters again and again. I will now say them faster and faster as the pronunciation improves.

     Do your parents and school adults help guide when you have be safe?  I have to be safe too. I have to be with someone if I am home. I can be home alone for short times, but I have to sit in the chair. A couple of days ago, my daughter stayed with me. She let me stay home when she went on an errand. When she was walking out, and I stood at the door, she said, "STAY IN THE CHAIR 'TILL I GET BACK" Have you ever listened to your heroes when they talk? Me too! I'm thankful to have folks to help me and keep me safe when I am sick. I hope you will help someone someday soon!

     I hope to see you again soon. Keep learning! I love my students...

     ~    Mr. B.