The first is a series of nine lessons, called Response Lessons, which are taught in all kindergarten classrooms. The purpose of these lessons is to encourage critical and creative thinking in all students, and to help identify special learning needs of selected students. The second component of the program, differentiated Services, is an adaptation of learning activities for selected students. Students are identified for Differentiated Services based on observed learning needs which require special accommodations in the classroom. How Parents Help Children at Home Educators in the Fairfax County Public Schools recognize that the parents, more than anyone else, are the closest observers of their child.
Parents are a child's first teacher and they know their child in ways no one else does.
The ability of the parents to assist in the educational development of their child enhances the child's progress toward reaching his or her fullest potential. This section is provided to encourage parents to continue to participate in that process as the child begins the kindergarten experience. Research indicates that the most successful students have parents involved in their school lives. In helping the child learn at home, the parent's primary role is one of encouragement and reinforcement. Parents can enhance what is experienced at school and foster a sense of excitement and a love for learning.