The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 30, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 September 1987 — Page 11

School news

By H. DEAN EVANS ‘ Superintendent of Public Instruction

IBy H. DEAN EVANS Superintendent Os Public Instruction Now that the 1987-88 school year is underway, it is an appropriate time for parents to begin taking advantage of daily home situations to help extend and develop their children’s reading and learning skills at home. Before I review several everyday home activities that can be used to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom, a word about listening skills might be in order. While we don’t often talk about the importance of listening skills and their relationship to learning and achievement, their value must not be overlooked. It is very important for children to learn to listen attentively and follow simple directions. Many of the directions in school are oral, and how well the student listens will be a factor in school success. As a result, parents should act as good role models by listening to their children carefully, answering questions and guiding them in seeking out answers by relating a new situation to a familiar one. If learning and achievement are to take place in the classroom, discussion and communication in the home must occur. Good home communication can only strengthen a child’s selfesteem, respect for his peers and family members, and ultimately lead to greater learning and achievement. Here are several every-day home situations that can be used to enhance activities taking place in the classroom: KITCHEN — The kitchen provides many reading opportunities. A child can develop his or her “skills” of following directions, interpretation and comprehension. The vocabulary of the kitchen is specific, and actual

T' ft t 1 J XT I \ I \ | '' ’■M. i J i> i A VISIT WITH A CLOWN — Children at the Lakeland Community Day Care Center in Syracuse seemed thrilled to meet “Abra The Magic Clown” Friday morning as he stopped by to promote the circus. Paul Parsons is actually the clown and travels ahead of the Kelly-Miller Bros. Circus. The circus was brought to town by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 8 and gave two shows in the Liberty Lot at Syracuse. All profits from the ticket sales will be used to purchase additional Christmas lighting for the town. (Photo by Carla Gaff)

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experiences aid in the meaningful development of such vocabulary. Potential learning activities include the preparation of the grocery list, discussing the need for various items and noting categories of food. Food items needed can also be related to the seven food groups needed for good nutrition. Many skills can be developed through activities revolving around the use of coupons. A child can match the coupons in the newspaper or those already clipped with items needed on the shopping list. Discussion can occur on which coupons provide the best value, thus helping the child “evaluate” options. In addition, files can be made for organizing coupons, thus helping the child develop organizational skills, a critical study skill needed for school success. YARD — Outside, the family’s yard presents many activities that emphasize the careful reading of directions and the accurate following of instructions. The reading and following of precise directions on fertilizer, plant sprays, and other chemicals are a couple of examples. As plants go though the growing season, discuss with your child the individual characteristics of plants, such as the size and shape of seeds, color of flowers and leaves. Walks through the neighborhood and activities in local parks can also be educational experiences. TELEVISION - Despite the potential for abuse, television can enhance the child’s learning. Research shows that up to 10 hours a week can be of value in learning if parents are careful to monitor. Some shows can help develop reading readiness skills such as the identification of let-» ters, numbers, and concepts, including color, size and shape. Special quality shows such as Na-

| Main Channel Marina, of Syracuse, was presented with an award from Slim Sommerville (right), President, US Marine (Bayliner's management). Main Channel Marina was honored for being a top Bayliner dealer and ordering I more than $1 million worth of pleasure boats in 1987. Pictured is owner Gary Webb (left). .... Turn East Off Hwy. 13 437-42UU At Dairy Queen SYRACUSE Then Second Road Right!

tionai Geographic, Wild Kingdom, Jacques Costeau, and others are shown regularly. In addition, quality viewing with a follow-up discussion ca help develop the skill of critical evaluation, which is a high-level reading comprehension skill. Other TV ideas: • Watch for broadcast adaptations of classic or contemporary books. Precede or follow the show by reading or reviewing the book; you will be able to contrast and compare the book with the TV show; • Watch a news program presentation of a current event and then read about the same event in a newspaper; OLDER STUDENTS - While many of above suggestions are appropriate for younger students, a number of activities lend themselves to upper-grade students. Teenagers, for instance can develop organizational and time management skills not to mention the actual vocational skill associated with the tune-up, repair, and maintenance of the car’s engine, lawn mower or other appliances and equipment. Also, teens cpn similarly develop time management skills through babysittim and other part-time jobs. Babysitters can also learn to appreciate the value of home skills and become more responsible. Finally, as older students develop interest in and practice a chosen sport, they will learn to develop time management or allocation skills. This is par ticularly frue for individual sports such as ice skating, tennis, gymnastics. Given a little thought, there are numerous every-day activities that take place in the home that can augment the learning that takes place in the classroom. Parents should always be on the lookout to take advantage of these situations to stimulate learning by their children.

Discoveries in biotechnology are already having impact on medicine and agriculture.

Samas la Dur Linas

Biotechnology — Changing our lives for the better

Advances in biotechnology may mean more health and wealth for all Americans. Its usefulness to medicine and agriculture seems to be increasing all the time. Biotechnology and Health Biotechnology means using microorganisms, cells or parts of cells to make useful substances. It’s generally accepted that the first successes in biotechnology will be in producing proteins for human disease therapy. Future application for use in man include growth hormones and clot-dissolving factors to prevent heart attacks. Proteins produced by the brain affect pain, anger and other behavior. It’s hoped that research and production of these proteins will lead us to an understanding of the causes and cures for many crippling mental illnesses. Biotechnology is developing vaccines for infectious disLegend is being distributed Copies of the 1987 Wawasee High School yearbook the Legend are currently being distributed. According to school records, the following former high school students have not picked up their yearbooks: Phil Malott, Joseph Sloop, Lisa Corl, Jason Miller, Juanita Roder, Lisa Kaiser, Sara Reddin. Tammie Bartlett, Rick Coy, Sherry Daniels, Shelly Daniels, Melissa Johnson, Jason Ladd, Chris Miller, Staci Ostendorf, Traci Ostendorf, Erik Sharp and Louis Siri. These former students are asked to obtain their books immediately as all extra books as well as unclaimed copies will go on sale October 1, at 7:30 a.m., in the high school. Students no longer in the area should arrange to have their books picked up by a relative or friend.

EXTENDED COVERAGE By | DON APA--* ARNOLD If you own a home, you are no doubt familiar with homeowners insurance. If you rent, you need household coverage, too, to ,Z cover your belongings. Tenant's insurance covers the contents of your rented home ~ your furniture, clothing, carpets/ , appliances, etc. — but not the U structure or the grounds around it, which are the owner's responsibility. You are covered in case of fire or theft, plus other perils. Standard policies pay only actual cash value of what's lost; it's generally worth while to buy replacementcost coverage. An important facet of your tenant’s policy is liability coverage, protecting you in case someone is injured and sues you. This covers you if your child breaks a neighbor's window, say, or if your air conditioner falls from a window and hurts someone. The standard tenant's policy, like homeowner's insurance, limits the coverage for jewelry, furs, and other valuables. Supplement your home policy with a personal articles floater. For all your insurance needs, you can depend on our knowhow and service at: Milford Insurance Center Milford, Indiana (219)658-9468

eases. Progress has been made on a malaria vaccine and there is a near-promise of vaccines against AIDS and hepatitis. There’s hope for cancer too. We’re learning how to prevent normal genes from turning into cancer ’■ causing agents. Biotechnology and Agriculture Biotechnology may help farmers reap better Biotechnology works toward more feed efficiency, disease resistance and other desirable qualities for cattle, poultry and swine. One protein Monsanto is researching was tested on dairy cows and their milk yield increased. This may allow cows to give 10 to 25 percent more milk on 15 percent less feed. Biotechnology makes it possible to accelerate plant breeding and offers new ways to protect crops and enhance yields. Pest resistant crops in the future may reduce the load of conventional insecticides in the environment. Biotechnology is likely to have a significant impact on society in the years ahead. It’s hoped that these developments c will give us a healthier, safer and more profitable future.

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Wed., September 9, — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Hg HILER VISITS NORTH WEBSTER — Representative John Hiler stopped at the North Webster Junior High School Friday morning to visit with the students there as part of this 13-schooi tour. He discussed the history of the United States Constitution and answered a number of questions from the student body. »• He told students he was too young to run for president and felt it would be a tough job and one that he wasn’t really interested in having. The North Webster Junior High Band played a number of songs welcoming Hiler and the student body presented him with a North Webster shirt which he put on over his shirt and tie while students cheered. Hiler is currently serving his fourth term as the Representative from Indiana's Third Congressional District. He’s shown here as he attempted to get closer to the students during the question and answer period. (Photo by Caria Gaff)

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