[TNS-list] Dyanthe's Weekly Letter: 4.8.19

[Dyanthe Spielberg]

Dear Families,

Today was so busy that I didn’t get to send out my weekly letter.  My
apologies!

We have been talking about reading a lot this year at School Leadership
Team.  Recently, I was reminded of a letter I sent out about my own
daughter’s journey learning to read several years ago.  Kaya was a
reluctant reader in elementary school and under Cheryl’s guidance, we found
that she loved graphic novels.  She’s not an anomaly; graphic novels are
among the highest circulating items in our library. Simply put, graphic
novels are book-length comics. They are not just about superheroes.
Graphic novels can teach about ballet, history, and mythology, as well as
science fiction, adventure, biographies, and folk tales, and can vary in
reading level from a beginner reader to an adult.  Reluctant readers are
very often attracted to the format. The context clues provided by the
pictures are helpful to children who are struggling with decoding words.
Graphic novels also provide an opportunity for kids to develop their visual
thinking skills.  Not only must a reader figure out what’s happening inside
a panel, she must also figure out what is happening between the panels.
Graphic novels are often a gateway to more reading.  As children build
confidence in their reading, they almost always transfer their enthusiasm
for reading to different formats and genres.  Many strong readers also are
drawn to graphic novels. Some of our finest writers were avid readers of
comics when they were young: Ray Bradbury, Cynthia Rylant, and John Updike.


We are having three Sings at TNS this month!  One for staff and children
only, one for parents only and one for all of us together (as usual, on the
last Wednesday of the month).  I hope you will join us for our parent only
Sing next Monday, just after drop-off.  We will sing all the songs on this
month’s sheet so that you are more than ready for all school Sing on
Wednesday, April 17.

Mark your calendars:

   -

   The Grants Committee meets Tuesday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.
   -

   Parents of Unique Kids Support Group meets twice this week: Thursday
   morning at drop-off and again at 4:30PM in the Library.
   -

   The ECO Committee will meet Friday at drop-off in the small cafeteria.


Have a good week,

Dyanthe
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