Reading is one of the most fundamental skills a child can develop through their education, but opportunities to practice these literacy skills exist well beyond the classroom. Incorporating reading practice into your family’s daily routine helps children expand their vocabulary, strengthen their comprehension abilities, and improve their overall communication skills. While curriculum and classroom learning help build the foundation for children’s literacy, reading at home helps turn literacy into a lifelong skill.

Why Reading Matters

According to the National Literacy Institute, 54% of adults in the US read below a sixth grade reading level, highlighting the very real need for foundational literacy skills starting at a young age. Practicing reading at home and outside the classroom can help close this literacy gap and nurture lifelong readers!

For younger children who are still developing their basic literacy skills, reading books together at home introduces them to new vocabulary words, sentence structures, and ways to organize ideas. As kids age and begin independent reading, they can further develop the ability to comprehend texts’ deeper meanings, identify underlying themes, and evaluate longer passages.

One of the great benefits of reading is that these literacy skills can be applied far beyond simply English or Language Arts classes. Reading comprehension and fluency is key for understanding concepts in history, science, and even math, and reading skills regularly correlate to academic success across multiple disciplines.

Additionally, reading helps encourage curiosity in children. Whether it’s reading a book about a historical event they may not have heard of before or reading a fiction novel about a character that is nothing like them, literacy is a way to expand children’s worldview and introduce them to diverse perspectives.

Incorporating Reading at Home

Finding ways to include daily reading into your family’s routine can help build your child’s literacy skills significantly, and maybe even introduce them to a love of reading! For younger children, reading to them throughout the day and/or at bedtime helps build early comprehension skills even if they aren’t quite ready to begin reading independently.

As children age, introducing them to local public libraries or encouraging them to check out books about topics they’re interested in can help develop their curiosity around reading and give them the independence to dig deeper into their personal interests. Having a healthy balance at home between screentime and reading time can likewise help make literacy a daily activity as opposed to a chore.

Here at St. John Amelith School, staff and administrators see firsthand the positive benefits that reading brings to children’s lives and academic success. By fostering a love of reading, teachers and parents alike can help children develop critical comprehension and literacy skills while also inspiring curiosity about the world around them.

With summer ending, students and families alike are preparing for a major upcoming transition in their daily schedules. While a new school year can bring excitement, it can also be challenging to break summer routines and adjust to more structured school schedules. The key to heading into the school year confidently, no matter the age or grade, is preparation and

open-mindedness. 

Why can this transition be difficult for students?

For many kids, summertime is often defined by less structure and more freedom. Returning to structured daily routines during the school year means earlier wake-up times, longer days, extended hours of concentration, and more social obligations to juggle. On top of this, students also have increased responsibilities in the form of extracurriculars and homework assignments.

Navigating these various changes in routine can take some getting used to at any age!

Every new school year also brings new classrooms, teachers, friends, and expectations that can be both exciting and uncertain at first. Students often need time to adapt and settle in before feeling truly comfortable, and that initial nervousness can feel scary in the beginning. 

Helping your child prepare for the school year

Gradually reintroducing routine changes into your child’s life can help them prepare for the return to school before their first day arrives. For example, establishing consistent bedtimes and wake-up routines gives children time to adjust slowly without added pressure. Talking through class schedules, morning routines, or other changes ahead of time can also put your child at ease about what to anticipate during the new school year.

Above all, approaching the new year with optimism and an open mind encourages your child to do the same, even when the adjustment period feels challenging. Having open conversations about how your child is feeling about the upcoming school year, including things they may be nervous about, can go a long way in helping them prepare mentally and emotionally. Encourage your child to focus on things they can look forward to, like reconnecting with friends and teachers, while also acknowledging any new responsibilities or expectations they should be prepared for. 

While you can’t completely cure the first-day jitters, preparing your family for the school year doesn’t have to feel scary. By practicing routines, making space for open dialogue, and approaching change with an open mind, both you and your child can ease some of the uncertainty that comes with the end of summer break. The team at St. John Amelith School is committed to ensuring families don’t have to go through this transition alone. With the support of a welcoming school community and close-knit student body, students can face the new year prepared, confident, and excited.

Your child’s perception of themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses, often begins long before they ever set foot in St. John Amelith School. Building self-esteem during critical developmental years helps kids boost their confidence, feel loved and valued at home and at school, and learn how to form healthy relationships with their peers. Here are a few key strategies for reinforcing positive self-esteem with your children in the home:

Positive Affirmations

Words of affirmation like, “I’m proud of how you handled that,” or “I appreciate you helping me,” show your child that they are seen, heard, and appreciated. Using these affirmations consistently helps children form positive thought patterns, specifically about themselves, that grow their self-confidence over time. In times of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty, these affirmations can also be an important reminder for kids who are developing resiliency in the face of challenges

Encourage Independence

As a parent, the word “independence” might seem scary when thinking about your child, but age-appropriate decision-making actually helps children to learn how to trust themselves and their own abilities. Even small decisions, like what outfit to wear or what to have for lunch, helps your child develop discernment skills and feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to take ownership of their own actions. For teenagers, this can sometimes look like asking them for input or allowing them to make age-appropriate decisions about hobbies, friends, or extracurriculars. By encouraging independent thinking, kids are empowered to approach new situations and decisions with increased confidence.

Process Praise

Even as adults, it can feel frustrating when we aren’t able to do something as perfectly as we’d like. For children, this perfectionism can sometimes feel like failure! Instead, try using process praise rather than person praise that focuses on acknowledging effort, improvement, or simply the courage to try. Phrases like, “I know that didn’t go as well as you would have liked, but I’m proud of you for giving it a shot anyway,” can help children build confidence in their ability to overcome challenges and solve problems, even if it takes time. This also helps avoid overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame because children are encouraged to see their efforts rather than simply unfavorable outcomes.

Be a Confident Role Model

Parents are often a children’s first teachers, and more often than not you will see your child start to imitate the behaviors they see in you. Helping your child develop their confidence sometimes means being a model of self-confidence for them. Acknowledging your strengths and the things you’d like to work on can show children that they are not required to be perfect, and by both expressing feelings and resolving conflicts with confidence, your child will begin to follow suit. Here at St. John Amelith School, we’re passionate about advocating for our students and helping them grow into strong, confident, and self-assured adults. We value our relationships with parents, and believe that together we can help children build self-esteem to truly believe that they are capable, valued, and loved no matter the situation or circumstan

Here at St. John Amelith School, faith is interwoven into daily activities: prayers, service, Bible study, etc. However, it can be a challenge for children and families to maintain this consistent faithfulness during summer months when extracurriculars, work schedules, and family vacations tend to take priority. Here are a few simple ways to help strengthen and sustain your family’s faithfulness through the summer months:

Daily Prayer

While it might sound simple, daily prayer habits are one of the best ways to continue your child’s faith-based education even throughout the summer. Prayers before/after meals, before bed, or small breaks throughout the day to come together with scripture can help your child engage with their spirituality in simple but meaningful ways.

Regularly Attending Church Services

One of the most profound, and long-lasting, ways to keep your family’s faith at the forefront is by regularly attending services. In communion with other church members, you and your family are able to engage in faithful discussions and connect with other families with shared values. This regular worship can be monumental for helping your child grow up with their spirituality as a cornerstone of their identity, particularly during months they’re not in school.

Acts of Service

Acts 20:35 directly tells us that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” As Christians we are called by God to lend a hand to those in need and serve our community in Christ’s image. Engaging in acts of service, such as volunteering at a local food pantry, spending a few hours at a nonprofit organization serving the poor and vulnerable, or participating in a church service project can help the whole family live out their faith during the summer months.

St. John Amelith School knows that families are collaborators in student success, and cultivating well-rounded, faith-filled children takes a village. Summer can be a wonderful opportunity to slow down and reconnect with each other and your spirituality to keep the faith alive through every season.

Every parent likely remembers the sleepless nights and constant tiredness of the newborn phase, and how detrimental it could be to daily activities. Unfortunately, many children continue to experience broken sleep schedules and disrupted sleep patterns even throughout their school years! Quality sleep is not only essential for learning, focus, behavior, and overall health, but also plays a critical role in helping students thrive in the classroom at St. John Amelith School.

The Importance of Healthy Sleep

Proper sleep is important at all ages, but for children in particular a healthy sleep routine can help boost critical emotional, social, and physical growth. In fact, experts at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend 9-12 hours of sleep for school-age children (ages 6 through 12) and at least 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers 13-years-old or above.  When a student is well-rested they are better able to focus, regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and manage stress. Alternatively, not getting enough sleep or having disrupted sleep can cause youth to become more irritable, unfocused, or disinterested.

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Sleep

While each child is different and may have unique sleep needs, childhood development experts highlight the importance of finding the right sleep routine and sticking to it as much as possible. Having a consistent nighttime routine, such as brushing teeth and going to sleep at the same time every night helps your child create a comfortable and predictable schedule that becomes easier to adapt to over time. Encouraging older children to keep consistent bedtime and wakeup routines, even on weekends, can be especially beneficial for keeping them regulated and well-rested.

Additionally, your child’s sleep schedule is influenced by their daily habits more than you might think. For example, youth that get regular physical activity, consume caffeine and sugar in lower amounts, and are exposed to natural daylight regularly tend to have an easier time falling, and staying, asleep. Alternatively, students who spend much of their time sedentary, inside, or engaging in non-active activities like video games or social media might have a more difficult time fighting restlessness and getting a full night of sleep.

The environment your child sleeps in also matters tremendously, and screen time continues to be a major concern for children of all ages. Limiting distractions as much as possible, setting a no-screen policy well before bedtime, and promoting quiet during sleeping hours helps kids get a better night of rest. Bright lights, especially close-range like on a phone, TV, or tablet, can restrict melatonin production and lead to your child having a harder time falling asleep.

As a school community, the team at St. John Amelith School recognizes the importance of working together to support healthy student routines both during classroom hours and at home. A good night’s sleep is one of the most simple yet powerful tools to help our children stay healthy, feel energized, and thrive in all environments, and must be seen as a non-negotiable wellness need for youth of all ages.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and we all have a part to play in keeping kids safe in any and all environments! Here at St. John Amelith School, child safety is a non-negotiable, and both teachers and administrators are trained to detect, identify, and address any potential risks to the safety of the students in our care.

Building a safe school environment starts with the facility itself. With thorough visitor policies, secure points of entry, and robust emergency response plans, students who enter our school doors are protected through any potential hazard or storm. Additionally, playgrounds and gym activities are frequently monitored, and staff can quickly address any injuries, large or small.

However, child safety goes far beyond physical safety. Due to their age, children are especially vulnerable and benefit from early education on basic safety skills and personal autonomy. When families, caregivers, and educators collaborate on not only keeping kids safe, but teaching them tools to protect themselves, our youth thrive. Here are a few basic safety skills to teach (and practice!) with your child at home:

• Not sharing personal information (name, age, school, etc.) with strangers
• Practicing digital safety online and protecting personal images and information
• Speaking up when something feels wrong or uneasy with another person, especially if they are an adult
• Identifying trusted adults that children can speak to if they feel unsafe
• Age-appropriate body safety rules such as identifying “bathing suit” areas
• Discussing the difference between “safe” and “unsafe” secrets, and what needs to be shared with an adult

As children grow older, prevention is an important tool for keeping them safe in all stages of life. By practicing age-appropriate safety strategies, discussing how to respond to unexpected or unsafe situations, and creating an open environment for voicing when something feels off, children are encouraged to build confidence in their ability to protect their wellbeing and stand up for themselves.

St. John Amelith School is deeply committing to protecting our learners and cultivating an environment where every student thrives. We invite our school community, parents, staff, and students to use April as an opportunity to raise awareness for child safety and model assertive boundary-setting to keep our youth safe now and in the future. 

Private schools such as St. John Amelith are often surrounded by misconceptions about who is welcome, what parochial education looks like, and how students can benefit. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can cause hesitancy or doubt about whether a student will thrive in the unique educational environment that parochial schools offer. However, St. John Amelith is committed to breaking down these misconceptions and offering families a glimpse into the transformational power of parochial education: individualized attention for students, diverse opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to making every student feel welcomed and cared for.

Myth #1: Academics

Understandably, many families care greatly about the quality of education their child will receive, as well as what resources are available for students who may need extra academic support. While some may worry that parochial schools lack the academic rigor of public schools, reality is quite the opposite. Private schools have more freedom to develop curriculum and teaching processes that are best suited to the needs of smaller classes. This often includes individualized attention from teachers, introduction to diverse learning modalities, and opportunities to receive tutoring or after-school help when needed. With smaller student-to-teacher ratios, educators can adapt lessons more efficiently to ensure no child is left behind.

Myth #2: Extracurriculars

A common misconception about private schools is that there are fewer opportunities for extracurricular involvement and, in turn, may be more difficult for students to find friends and community. However, intramural sports, music, and art opportunities are readily available to families enrolled in St. John Amelith School, and many students also benefit from faith-based extracurriculars like bible studies and youth groups that are rarely available at public schools. Parochial schools also often offer after-school and summer activities like vacation bible school or summer camps to help stimulate and engage students even when school isn’t in session. These opportunities, combined with smaller class sizes, often actually help students form deeper, longer-lasting friendships as they are able to see and interact with the same classmates for several years.

Myth #3: Accessibility

Some families may be concerned that parochial schools are unattainable due to tuition costs. The team at St. John Amelith believes that cost should never hold a child back from a strong, faith-based education, and offers numerous scholarships and flexible payment options for working families. Parochial schools believe in the power of diversity and in making high-quality education accessible for families from every socioeconomic background. By creating an educational environment rooted in compassion, academic excellence, and shared values, students from all walks can find community at St. John Amelith.

Choosing the right school for your unique child and family is no small decision. By looking beyond common misconceptions surrounding parochial schools, many families find that the individualized academic instruction, diverse range of extracurricular involvements, and flexible accessibility initiatives provide confidence that their child will learn, grow, and thrive in a private school environment.

One of the largest benefits of choosing a parochial school such as St. John Amelith is the smaller class sizes and better student-to-teacher ratio. This type of individualized guidance and instruction helps students grow at their own pace while receiving the attention they need to overcome any academic challenges that may arise. Here are a few ways that smaller class sizes cultivate stronger, more confident students:

Academic Growth

One of the most notable benefits of smaller class sizes are the clear academic benefits that stem from this personalized instruction. According to the National Institute of Health, lower student-to-teacher ratios lead to not only higher scores on standardized examinations, but also better long-term educational outcomes such as higher rates of passing each grade level and higher rates of continuing higher education. This academic achievement is the result of educators having the ability to cater to students’ unique learning modalities, an objective that becomes more difficult when a teacher oversees a large classroom with several dozen students.

Student Engagement

Research on educational development shows that smaller classroom sizes can also boost students’ engagement, both in class and with their school as a whole. In classrooms with high student-to-teacher ratios, students often feel as though they become invisible, or that they don’t have an opportunity to speak up. Alternatively, in smaller classes students feel more seen and heard by their teachers, and often feel more comfortable raising their hand, asking questions, or participating in group activities. This increased engagement can, in turn, create more confident students who feel comfortable building connections with their classmates and expressing their views and ideas.

Teacher Empowerment

While smaller class sizes benefit students themselves, this dynamic can also be empowering for educators themselves. With lower student-to-teacher ratios, there is more time and space for learning objectives, field trips, group activities, etc. Large classrooms often require more consistent behavioral management, more time spent facilitating activities, and more hours of lesson-planning and grading. In the process, many students slip through the cracks and miss out on the individualized support they need. In a field already experiencing high rates of burnout, smaller class sizes can help teachers feel more in-tune with their students’ needs while also having the time to address individualized learning gaps.

For parents seeking a school where their child will be seen, heard, and valued, small class sizes and individualized attention matter. Here at St. John Amelith Lutheran School, our teachers are committed to meeting each student where they are at, forming personal connections, and addressing needs as soon as they arise. This personalized approach helps students to grow in faith, knowledge, and service with confidence.

Childhood is an exciting time of emotional, social, and spiritual growth. As your child ages, they begin to learn more about themselves, their world, and what they want their place in that world to be. During these formative years, Christian education can play an impactful role in not just teaching children specific prayers or values, but more importantly teaching them how to view their world and live their life through a Christ-centered lens.

At St. John Amelith School, faith isn’t a separate academic subject but rather the foundation of every class, gathering, and initiative. By using age-appropriate prayers, bible stories, hands-on activities, and Christian instruction, children of diverse ages can grow in their spirituality as they also progress academically, create social bonds, and develop their emotional intelligence.

One of the most profound benefits of Christian education during your child’s early years is how it can help shape your child’s character and integrity. During years where children are just beginning to navigate and overcome conflicts, form and maintain relationships with peers, and express more complex feelings and emotions, their Christian faith can be a strong guiding light. Christian values of honesty, kindness, respect, and patience all help children tackle the challenges of life with bravery and confidence while also helping them learn how to care for others.

Additionally, Christian education can help children form a stronger sense of self-confidence in themselves and their abilities. Trusting and truly believing that they are specially made in God’s image, and that they are completely and utterly loved by Him, can be an important factor in fostering resilience and healthy self-esteem, especially at younger ages!

One of the core components of a Christian education is also the importance of compassion, service, and loving our neighbors the way Christ loves us. By helping instill these values in children during their early years, students grow up learning to be kind to others, to help the less fortunate, and to positively contribute to their communities.

The benefits of investing in a Christian education for your child far surpass grades, assessments, or standardized tests. Here at St. John Amelith, students are encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge, and service through a strong foundation in Christ. By helping students understand and develop their God-given gifts and talents, St. John Amelith School helps build kind, successful, and Christlike youth ready to face adulthood with strength and resilience.

While children and teens experience stress, fear, and anger just like adults do, they often don’t have the tools to manage these tough emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Here at St. John Amelith School, we know that discipline and compassion go hand in hand, and developing conflict-resolution skills helps set students up to become mature, emotionally stable adults.

Structure and accountability are necessary in school settings to maintain safety and foster a productive learning environment. St. John Amelith is committed to setting these clear boundaries and expectations to help students feel supported while also offering opportunities for reflection and repair when behaviors do get out of hand. 

Here are a few ways the staff and learning environment at St. John Amelith help to balance compassion with discipline when addressing concerns at school:

• Disruptive behaviors are first met with compassion before judgment. Staff members are committed to understanding the “why” behind student behavior and to approaching issues from a growth mindset rather than a shaming one, which often leads to positive improvements in the future.

• Addressing problematic behaviors often means prioritizing empathy over punishment and focusing on repair above all. While consequences are enforced for poor behavior, staff members approach conflicts with care and concern, ensuring that students understand exactly what boundaries were violated. From there, students are guided to restore trust through genuine apologies and changed behavior.

• Staff members model healthy problem-solving behaviors in the classroom and with their colleagues, knowing that youth often imitate the behaviors they see around them.

Involving parents in restorative practices can help motivate and support students who may be struggling academically or behaviorally in school. Promoting open communication and transparency with families helps to foster improvements while also ensuring students feel supported to learn, grow, and progress.

• Discipline doesn’t have to be about obedience or submission alone. When youth are taught how to handle conflicts with understanding, assertive communication, and a growth mindset, they become more confident and empathetic adults. St. John Amelith School is committed to cultivating a safe, thriving academic environment where students are treated with Christ-like justice and mercy to minimize the occurrence of unacceptable behaviors.