Dear West Elementary Families,
Happy October! The cooler weather, changing leaves, and fall fun make this a wonderful time of year to slow down, reconnect, and establish healthy habits at home that support our students' growth both as learners and as future independent adults. Here are a few tips to support your child this month:
Practice Reading at Home
Reading every day makes a big difference! Here are a few easy ways to sneak it in:
Read together for 10–15 minutes each night before bed. It's a great time to wind down.
Ask questions as you read (“What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did the character do that?”) to build comprehension.
Let them see you reading! Kids who see adults enjoying books are more likely to become readers themselves.
Make it fun! Take turns reading pages, try silly voices, or have a “reading picnic” on the living room floor.
Limiting Screen Time
Screens can be hard to balance, but a few small changes can make a big difference:
No screens before school; instead, use the morning for breakfast, conversation, or reading a short story.
Set a consistent “screen curfew” each night to give their brains time to rest before bed.
Create screen-free zones (like the dinner table or bedrooms) to encourage connection and calm.
Offer fun alternatives, such as board games, drawing, or going for a walk together.
Practicing Independence
Our goal is to help children grow into confident, capable young people! Try encouraging independence by:
Having your child pack their own backpack or lay out their clothes for the next day.
Giving them simple household responsibilities, such as feeding a pet or setting the table.
Allowing them to make small choices (like choosing between two snacks or two outfits) to build confidence.
Each little moment of responsibility adds up to big growth!
Thank you for partnering with us in helping your child shine both at school and at home, and everywhere they go. We’re so proud of the growth we see each day and can’t wait for all the fun October will bring!
Wishing You Well,
Libby McNamara
