Welcome to Collegiate! My name is Anne Gray Siebert. It is my pleasure to be the Lower School Reading Specialist working with Kindergarten students in language arts throughout the school year. My main goal is to help every student reach their full learning potential through engaging, hands-on, multi-sensory learning activities.
In collaboration with the classroom teachers, I plan weekly enrichment lessons to support the language arts development of all kindergarten students. We explore literacy in ways that will make reading, writing and spelling come alive for your child through exciting activities. Just as children learn to walk at all different times, their path to reading will also vary. By physically being in your child’s room for an hour once a week, the teachers and I are better able to support each child on their individual journey—stretching, challenging and guiding to ensure that all the students grow throughout the year. As the year progresses, support for those who need it becomes available outside the classroom in a small group setting.
I am often asked by parents what they can do to help their child be ready for Kindergarten. My honest advice is, spend time together and enjoy summer! There will be plenty of time for school so take it from me, get outside, hit the pool, take a turn on the slip-n-slide. Enjoy your child and these precious moments. If you want to add a literacy component start a family journal. Take turns writing a quick entry of the days events. Dad can write one day and mom the next. Your child can color a picture or dictate to you what he wants to say. This is not only a great way to tie reading and writing into your summer but what a wonderful collection of memories for you to enjoy.
I look forward to seeing your sweet child bouncing through our hallways. I am always around for a hug, smile or extra visit. I love being a part of this fabulous team and cannot wait to get to know you and your child. Stop by and visit when you come in August to Reynolds Hall, Room 202. I would love to meet you and your Kindergartner. 2016-17 is going to be a wonderful year!