Lou Ann Nicholas

Title I

Hello,

  Welcome to my page!  I have been teaching Title I since 1992.  I have spent most of my teaching career in the Shinnston area having taught at Shinnston Intermediate, Lumberport Middle and Big Elm.  There were 4 years that I spent teaching Title I at Norwood Elementary in Stonewood.  I have enjoyed serving the students at all of my schools.

   I have especially liked getting to know the families of my students during my Keep In Touch program.  This program is offered during the summer months.  Traveling around the county to the different homes has given me a vast knowledge of the area. 

  Another favorite part of my job is working with parents through the various parent involvement activities.  Parents who are interested in their children's education are the best advocate a teacher has.

How To Read Fluently

Be a role model.  When you read to your child, have him read along with you.  Don't be surprised if he tries to match his voice to yours.  You can also alternate paragraphs or pages, or take turns reading for different characters.

Choose the right book.  Your child should recognize most of the words (one to two unfamiliar words per page are okay - that will keep him challenged.)  If he's having trouble reading smoothly, try picking an easier book.

Use expression.  Punctuation marks are clues that tell us how to read something.  Encourage your child to sound excited when he sees an exclamation point, and make his voice go up for a question mark.  Teach him to pause briefly at a comma and slightly longer at a period.

Check for understanding.  If your youngster doesn't understand the book, he will sound choppy.  And if he is reading one word at a time, he will have tough time following the plot.  As he reads, ask him questions to make sure he understands the story.