Early Childhood Parent/Family Resources
Early Childhood Parent/Family Resources
Places to go! Places to see! Places to learn!
Columbia, South Carolina has many wonderful places of interest to take your child
for fun, exploration, and learning. Here are some favorites!
African American History Monument
Virtual Programs from the zoo too!
Educational Resources
(Some logins required)
- BookFlix
BookFlix is an exciting online literacy resource that pairs interactive, fictional video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks. BookFlix engages young students, reinforces reading skills, and introduces early readers to a world of knowledge and exploration.
- Knowitall.org
KnowitAll.org is South Carolina's very own website dedicated to providing resources to you and your child about the great state of South Carolina. Check out Gullah.net for some wonderful Gullah Read Alouds!
- Discovery Education
Students can use their credentials to log into Discovery Education throughout the summer months to find videos and articles on science, technology and engineering topics of interest to them. Students can log in using the same username and password that they log into school computers with to gain access at school or at home.
- Flocabulary
Flocabulary is a library of songs, videios and activities for K-12 online learning. Flocabulary is a learning program that uses educational hip hop music to engage students and reinforce core knowledge and skills.
- Learning AtoZ
Learning AtoZ is an education technology company dedicated to expanding literacy through thoughfully-designed resources such as:
--Reading AtoZ-contains a wealth of leveled materials and tools that enhance reading instruction.
--RAZ Kids-is an online resource that provides a library of differentiated books that children can listen to, read, and take quizzes.
- Dreambox
DreamBox is an online math program that is both engaging and proven to boost your child's math performance. Whether your learner is a math whiz or needs help filling in some gaps, the DreamBox platform provides your child with the individualized lessons they need to succeed.
- Lexia
Lexia® Core5® Reading supports educators in providing differentiated literacy instruction for students of all abilities in grades pre-K–5. Lexia’s research-proven program provides explicit, systematic, personalized learning in the six areas of reading instruction, targeting skill gaps as they emerge, and providing teachers with the data and student-specific resources they need for individual or small-group instruction.
- Seesaw
Seesaw is a simple way for teachers and students to record and share what's happening in the classroom. Seesaw gives students a place to document their learning, be creative and learn how to use technology. Each student gets their own journal and will add things to it, like photos, videos, drawings, or notes.
- Freckle
Freckle is an online learning platform that allows students to practice Math and English Language Arts at their own level. Freckle continuously adapts to each student's individual skills, so each student is getting the appropriate challenge, whether they're working at, above, or below grade level.
Home Support
Math and Literacy
Building a love for math starts at home. Encouraging children to talk, read, and write about math helps them to understand. When your child gives you an answer to a problem, try some of these statements/questions below:
- I agree/disagree with you because...
- What I heard you say was...
- What keywords helped you solve this?
- Can you explain this to me?
- What were you thinking here?
- How did you solve it?
- How did you start?
- Why did you choose that operation?
- What strategy did you use? Will you show me?
- How did you know your answer was correct? Prove it! How else could you have solved it?
- How did this help you understand?
The goal is to get your child to tell you the answer and work to tell you why their answer is correct.*
Social Studies and Literacy
Here are seven things you can do to support Social Studies instruction at home.
- Read and write with your child daily. Seek out social studies-related books, both fiction and non-fiction. Check your local library or the National Council for the Social Studies Notable Trade Book List at http://www.socialstudies.org/notable.
- Discuss the history and traditions of your family.
- Discuss the meaning of celebrated traditions, holidays, people, and events and how
they impact current lives. - Take opportunities to explain to your child about civic rights and responsibilities.
- Discuss topics you are reading about in the newspaper, exploring the internet, or watching
the news on television. - Visit monuments, memorials, libraries, parks, and other public spaces. Ask your child questions and ask, “Who do you think that was?” or “Why do we remember this event?”
- Learn together about the history and geography of your community, state, and country.
Science and Literacy
Here are six things you can do to support Science instruction at home.
- Read and write with your child every day. Seek out science-related books, both fiction and non-fiction. Check your local library or with your child’s school librarian to check out some books or resources that you know your child will love!
- Discuss science and engineering practices and explain their importance.
- Help to plan and conduct simple investigations at home to help them understand the science and engineering practices.
- Encourage participation in district and local science and STEM events that build a
love of science. - Help your child understand patterns by looking at newspaper weather graphs or moon phases charts. Provide opportunities to create original graphs or charts.
- Provide opportunities for your child to put their hands on homemade slime, potting soil, or to create a foil man to observe different shadows throughout the day.
Family-Friendly Standards
English Language Arts
What should my child learn at each grade in English Language Arts?
Math
What should my child learn at each grade in math?
Science
What should my child learn at each grade in science?
Social Studies
What should my child learn at each grade in social studies?