October 12th, 2023

Accessibility: Upcoming Dates: October 12th- Odyssey of the Mind In Person, Oct 19 - Board Meeting, Oct 21-Community Workday, Oct 25 | Fall Family Night for K|2|4|6 , Oct 26 | Fall Family Night for 1|3|5|7

Volunteers Make Evergreen Shine!

Saturday, Oct 21st is the next community workday. 9 A M to Noon. Click the white/teal graphic above to volunteer.

Events Committee Seeking Members. First meeting Friday, OCTOBER 13th @ 4:15pm at Highland Brewing. Please RSVP if you’re interested in joining! Looking for dreamers, party planners, crafters, fun-makers, for our year’s social and fundraising events. Come choose one event to focus on, or be involved in shaping all!

A note from Kellam, Teacher Appreciation Coordinator: Fearless Parents,School has started and our brave teachers and staff are back to give our kiddos their best. Let's show them how much we care by giving them a special treat once a week (preferably Thursday) in the staff lounge. Click on the pink and brown graphic above to learn more or to sign up for a week!


Fall Family Nights October 25-26. Grades K, 2, 4, and 6 will attend on October 25th, and Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. Event will begin at 5 o’clock and run through 7 Thirty.

Schedule


5:00pm- 5:45pm - Food Sales (optional)

5:45pm-6:30pm - Presentations

6:30pm-7:30pm - Classroom Time

Fall Family Nights

Join us for our Fall Celebration of Learning as students showcase their best works and families can see and appreciate more of what is happening in the classroom!

In the coming weeks students will be going through their work, evaluating which pieces they want to display, and showing off a portfolio of their best works for this school year.

Eighth Grade will have their own stand alone event on 11/16.

We will also be unveiling our new line of t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating 25 years of adventures in education! Make sure you bring some cash for those, and either you or we will save on Processing Fees!

Kid sizes will run $20 for t-shirts, $38 for sweatshirts.
Adult sizes will run $25 for t-shirts, $40 for sweatshirts.


School Fees - Auto-Pay Option Now Available

Sign Up for Auto-Pay. Less work for you, less letters from me. Kindly, Beth

If you would like to sign up for auto pay for school fees including EverAfter charges, please complete THIS form.

You will be notified monthly before we charge your card.

If you have any questions about EverAfter fees charged to your MPP account please contact James Wilson. If you have questions about autopay or any other fees please contact Jean Reese.

Fees are due and payable one week after being added to MPP if you are NOT signed up for autopay.


Challenging Curious Minds

Are you ready to sail the high seas of creativity? Create, problem-solve, build, write, direct, act, & produce high quality nonsense while making friends, having fun. and learning new skills? Of course you do! Come see if Odyssey of the Mind is right for you!

Image Text in Caption

Curious about Evergreen Acedemically/Intellectuall Gifted program AKA A. I. G. Program? Click on the Purple and Gold Graphic (Right on Desktop) for a program overview and qualifying criteria.

Odyssey of the Mind kicking off soon!

Evergreen parents of 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade kids! We are excited to continue our successful participation in Odyssey of the Mind - a wonderful problem-solving competition. If you'd like to learn more about OM, visit the Odyssey of the Mind website, or watch this super cute video! You can also check out these interviews from students who were world finalists! 2022 WLOS Interview  2023 Mountain Xpress 2023 WLOS Interview

Final Odyssey of the Mind informational meeting this afternoon!

  • Thursday, October 12th - in Kendall's classroom in the modular from 3:30 to 4:30 in person.

Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 5:00.

We're also looking for parent volunteers and parent coaches. If your child is interested in OM, consider being a coach.

If you are interested in Odyssey of the Mind, please fill out this quick Registration Form!  Email  Kendall  if you have questions!


Perspective-taking

Perspective-taking is the ability to relate to other people and see things from their point of view. It is such an important social skill to teach children because perspective-taking skills are part of most communication and interactions between people. Perspective-taking is needed in order to have empathy for someone else. Perspective-taking is usually thought of as a cognitive component of empathy, in other words it is thinking about why we feel empathetic to the other person’s point of view. In order to achieve perspective-taking, the child has to understand what thoughts are, and that there are at least two different perspectives (their own and someone else’s) involved. When a child uses perspective-taking skills, they’ll be able to understand what someone else is feeling and thinking, so they can communicate with them in a more productive manner. They can also understand someone else’s needs more easily.

I am a fan of bibliotherapy, and of course you can use books as a tool to help teach perspective-taking skills to kids! Depending on the developmental level and age of your kids, it might be helpful to start with discussing what a thought is. To tackle that subject, start with the book “What is a Thought” by Jack Pransky and Amy Kahofer.


A list of suggested books on perspective-taking include: Duck!Rabbit!, Stand In My Shoes, The Weird Series, Hey Little Ant, Not Quite Snow White, Ways To Grow Love, Don’t Touch My Hair, Abdul’s Story, What Do You See? A Conversation in Pictures, The Invisible Boy, Should I Share My Ice Cream, Leonardo The Terrible Monster, The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle, The Catawampus Cat, The Cot in the Living Room, The Last House on Market Street, Tale of Two Beasts.

In Community~

-Katy Truxell, K-4 School Counselor


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Breakfast! Available each morning in the foyer! No need to pre-order, $2.75 will be charged to your MPP account, unless you qualify for free/reduced lunch, then there is no charge! Click on the pink graphic for the weekly menu.


Grandparents, Friends & Folx Day is in November

Grandparents, Friends, & Folx Day is a day for your student to bring loved ones to school for a bit of reverse show and tell. Below is a form where you can identify the folks who mean the most (or who are most likely to be available) to join us for a fun day at Evergreen. The November Date is still TBD but will most likely fall near Thanksgiving. Mobile users: You may find it easier to complete the form here.


AVL Today is looking for Educators who have made a difference in your life. Do you know anyone?


Lights Out Asheville! The Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville encourages all business owners, residents, and building managers to extinguish non-essential outdoor lighting between Midnight and 6AM during the Spring and Fall. Lighting that cannot be safely extinguished should be addressed and modified to meet bird-friendly, International Dark Sky Association standards. Sign our pledge to show your commitment to reducing light pollution, saving energy, and helping birds! Click Here to learn more, sign the pledge, and join the effort to make Asheville a safer place for our feathered friends!

September 28th, 2023

Accessibility: Upcoming Dates: Sept 29 - Development Committee, Sept 29 - Parent Dialogue Series - In Person, October 2nd-6th - Fall Break, October 10th - Odyssey of the Mind Zoom Option, October 12th- Odyssey of the Mind In Person, October 12th Finance Committee, Oct 19 - Board Meeting, Oct 21-Community Workday


Tonight! Check out this free event from Blue Ridge Audubon! Join Us for Swift Night Out! Blue Ridge Audubon's Annual "Swift Night Out" Thursday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m. It's Chimney Swift season, an exciting time of year to see swirling clouds of Swifts as they gather at sunset to enter communal roosting sites. Blue Ridge Audubon will sponsor our annual Swift Night Out, a Chimney Swift viewing event scheduled for dusk in downtown Asheville. We'll meet at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 28th on the top floor of the Harrah's Cherokee Center (Civic Center) Parking Deck (68 Rankin Avenue, Asheville).

Lights Out Asheville! The Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville encourages all business owners, residents, and building managers to extinguish non-essential outdoor lighting between Midnight and 6AM during the Spring and Fall. Lighting that cannot be safely extinguished should be addressed and modified to meet bird-friendly, International Dark Sky Association standards. Sign our pledge to show your commitment to reducing light pollution, saving energy, and helping birds! Click Here to learn more, sign the pledge, and join the effort to make Asheville a safer place for our feathered friends!


Parent Dialogue Series kicks off tomorrow

Accessibility: PARENT DIALOGUE SERIES FIRST SESSION IN PERSON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th at noon.
There’s no quick or foolproof way to talk about the complexities of race with your child(ren). But, it’s a conversation all families need to have, no matter your race, background, education or experience. Let’s get started, continue, or expand the conversation together.
Click Blue/Teal/Purple (Left on Desktop) Graphic for RSVP form.

Resources to get the Conversation Started

We will be hosting these events regularly , both online and in-person. They may center around articles, books, book chapters, podcasts, or even issues that you bring to the table. This initial meeting is just a place to get the conversation started. Have you explored these resources yet?

Articles:
How to Talk About Race and Racism with Teens

How Should I Talk about Race in My Mostly White Classroom? (written for teachers but has good suggestions parents can use as well)

Podcasts:
Seeing White
Nice White Parents

Spotlight on a Black Content Creator:
Britt Hawthorne (Instagram account) - like, follow, or use the buy me a cup of coffee button to support her work


EverAfter has space left during next week’s fall break.

The cost is $55/day. To sign up use the Extended Day Sign-up form link below. If your child isn’t registered for the ‘23-’24 school year yet, you’ll need to do that, too.

All sign-ups need to be in by Friday morning at 11AM!

Extended Day Sign-up:

https://form.jotform.com/evergreenccs/everafter-extended-day-care-23-34

EverAfter ‘23-’24 Registration: 

https://form.jotform.com/evergreenccs/everafter-registration-23-24

Need Childcare during Fall Break? Sign up Now!


Lunch! Place your orders for Lunches by October 3rd! Order through My Payments Plus!

School Fees - Auto-Pay Option Now Available

Sign Up for Auto-Pay. Less work for you, less letters from me. Kindly, Beth

If you would like to sign up for auto pay for school fees including EverAfter charges, please complete THIS form.

You will be notified monthly before we charge your card.

If you have any questions about EverAfter fees charged to your MPP account please contact James Wilson. If you have questions about autopay or any other fees please contact Jean Reese.

Fees are due and payable one week after being added to MPP if you are NOT signed up for autopay.


Challenging Curious Minds

Are you ready to sail the high seas of creativity? Create, problem-solve, build, write, direct, act, & produce high quality nonsense while making friends, having fun. and learning new skills? Of course you do! Come see if Odyssey of the Mind is right for you!

Image Text in Caption

Curious about Evergreen Acedemically/Intellectuall Gifted program AKA A. I. G. Program? Click on the Purple and Gold Graphic (Right on Desktop) for a program overview and qualifying criteria.

Odyssey of the Mind kicking off soon!

Evergreen parents of 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade kids! We are excited to continue our successful participation in Odyssey of the Mind - a wonderful problem-solving competition. If you'd like to learn more about OM, visit the Odyssey of the Mind website, or watch this super cute video! You can also check out these interviews from students who were world finalists! 2022 WLOS Interview  2023 Mountain Xpress 2023 WLOS Interview

Odyssey of the Mind will host two information meetings:

  • Tuesday, October 10th on zoom from 4:00 to 4:30.

  • Thursday, October 12th - in Kendall's classroom in the modular from 3:30 to 4:30 in person.

Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 5:00.

We're also looking for parent volunteers and parent coaches. If your child is interested in OM, consider being a coach.

If you are interested in Odyssey of the Mind, please fill out this quick Registration Form!  Email  Kendall  if you have questions!


Empathy Building

Children and teenagers naturally have the capacity for empathy, but that doesn’t mean they develop it on their own. Kiddos learn how to notice, listen, and care by watching and listening to those around them, and they take cues from these people about why empathy is important. We are inclined to feel more empathy for those who are similar to us. But when it comes to building a school community here at Evergreen, we strive for more. In strong school communities, students (and adults) have empathy for everyone – including those who are different in background, beliefs, or other ways. 

Check out this great playbook by The Choose Kindness Project on how to support kindness and empathy in our youth. There are also some great books showcasing black voices, accessible through the Public Library Catalog. Some suggested works for upper middle school include: “Like Home”, “The Black Kids”, “Who Put This Song On?”, “Monday's Not Coming”, “Crossover”, “The Hate You Give”, “All American Boys”, “Love is a Revolution”, and “Tristan's Story”. Suggestions for lower elementary grade levels include: “Ophie's Ghost”, “Brown Girl Dreaming”, “Watch Us Rise”, “Ghost Boys”, “The Stars Beneath Our Feet”, “Playing the Cards You're Dealt”, “Love Double Dutch”, most of which can also be found in our Evergreen library. 

Lastly, 6th-8th graders either learned about, or had a refresher course on how to use, the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System this week. The Say Something-ARS allows you or your kiddos to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. This anonymous tip is then screened by crisis counselors, 24/7, who either report to Evergreen administrators or to emergency professionals for the next steps in keeping our community safe. 

Thank you all for your continued partnership. I hope each one of you has a restful and restorative Fall Break!

-Hunter Holland, Middle School Counselor

Stay tuned next week for some suggestions for the K-4 crowd!


Volunteers Make Evergreen Shine!

To Bren Dendy of Bren Photography for being the driving force behind Evergreen’s exceptional School Photos and the what has become an annual School Photo Fundraiser for Evergreen. And to Sandlin Gaither for lending his time and considerable talent. Click here to check out Bren’s portfolio. We will let you know when proofs are ready to order!

Events Committee Seeking Members. First meeting Friday, OCTOBER 13th @ 4:15pm at Highland Brewing. Please RSVP if you’re interested in joining! Looking for dreamers, party planners, crafters, fun-makers, for our year’s social and fundraising events. Come choose one event to focus on, or be involved in shaping all!

Saturday, Oct 21st is the next community workday. 9 A M to Noon. Click the yellow/orange graphic above to volunteer.

A note from Kellam, Teacher Appreciation Coordinator: Fearless Parents,School has started and our brave teachers and staff are back to give our kiddos their best. Let's show them how much we care by giving them a special treat once a week (preferably Thursday) in the staff lounge. Click on the pink and brown graphic above to learn more or to sign up for a week!


Take advantage of this Free Webinar Series Airing in October

Earlier this year, Attorney General Stein convened leaders from across North Carolina to discuss the challenges facing our youth and strategies to help keep them safe – and following that event, several parents noted that they wished there was a way to share this important information with others who are concerned about our kids. To do so, the NC Department of Justice is organizing a series of webinars targeted to parents, caregivers, and those who work with youth.

This series – Protecting the Next Generation of North Carolinians – will address four specific topics, one per each brief session, and at each, we’ll convene experts to provide background information and practical tips to help keep NC kids healthy and safe. We’ll cover topics including online dangers for youth, safe gun storage, and youth substance use. More information on the series is available here

The series kicks off in October with Keeping Kids Safe at School, at Home, and in our Communities with Safe Gun Storage.

  • Wednesday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

  • Speakers include NC Department of Public Safety Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Raleigh Police Department Lieutenant Billy Gartin, parent advocate Baker Burleson, and Attorney General Josh Stein

  • Register here


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Breakfast! Available each morning in the foyer! No need to pre-order, $2.75 will be charged to your MPP account, unless you qualify for free/reduced lunch, then there is no charge! Click on the pink graphic for the weekly menu.


September 21st, 2023

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Accessibility: Upcoming Dates for September: Sept 18-26 | Scholastic Book Fair, Sept 21 | Student Led Conferences - Evening Hours, Sept 21 | Board Meeting, Sept 22 | Student Led Conferences - No Classes - Morning Hours, Sept 25 | Title I Parent Meeting - Zoom Option, Sept 26 | Title I Parent Meeting - 5:30pm In Person, Sept 26-27 | Picture Days, Sept 29 - Development Committee, Sept 29 - Parent Dialogue Series - In Person


Student-Led Conferences

Student-Led Conferences are upon us! For parents of younger students, this first conference will be teacher-led, but you can look forward to your young scholar presenting their own work in the spring!

How can you make the most of this time with your student/ student’s teacher:

  • Write down any general questions you might have ahead of time.

  • Consider diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives as equally valid.

  • Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

  • Embrace a mindset that promotes learning.

  • Seek opportunities to celebrate and share in gratitude.

  • Bring concerns to the table with curiosity and compassion.

Here is an article to learn more about the educational philosophy behind the Student-Led Conference.


Image Text in Caption

Accessibility: PARENT DIALOGUE SERIES FIRST SESSION IN PERSON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th at noon.
There’s no quick or foolproof way to talk about the complexities of race with your child(ren). But, it’s a conversation all families need to have, no matter your race, background, education or experience. Let’s get started, continue, or expand the conversation together.
Click Blue/Teal/Purple (Left on Desktop) Graphic for RSVP form.

Image Text in Caption

Accessibility:

Curious about Evergreen Acedemically/Intellectuall Gifted program AKA A. I. G. Program?

Click on the Purple and Gold Graphic (Right on Desktop) for a program overview and qualifying criteria.


How does Title I Affect Me?

Please join one of the meetings to learn about Title I funds at Evergreen. We'll discuss funding, staffing, interventions, and collaborate on ways to involve parents. Learn more about Title I here.

Sept 25th, 12pm on zoom or

Sept 26th, 5pm in person at Evergreen


Accessibility: Volunteers Needed to assist with ushering students to and from class, distributing paperwork, etc. Sept 26 & 27. Click the Graphic to sign up.

Photography provided by brenphotography.net


Social Emotional Learning Skill: Self Regulation

This month in K4 Guidance Lessons we focused on Feelings and Coping Strategies to use to get ourselves regulated and ready to learn. Self-regulation is likely to be a word that you will hear during the school year at some point. Are you familiar with this term? Self-regulation means that you can manage your emotions when they are strong. In order to help your child develop this skill, try practicing a strong emotion (like sadness or anger). Work with your child and discuss techniques to regulate their emotions to regain control and maintain composure even when their emotions are strong. Techniques can include: breathing, turning your feelings into song, counting, connecting with the earth, and movement. What are your favorite self-regulation techniques?

Accessibility: Breathing Skills: 1. Slowly trace a star shape breathe in as you trace one side of an arm. Hold Breath at the tip of each point, and release breathe as you trace your way back to the center. 2. Trace a figure eight, breathing in for one loop and switching at the center to breathing out for the second loop. Pretend there is a flower (or muffin) in your hand, bring it to your face and deeply inhale through your nose, then slowly exhale through your mouth. 4. Picture of a pufferfish. Breathe in through your nose, puff out your cheeks like a pufferfish, breathe out through your mouth.

Accessibility: Grounding Skills: 1. Look for 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can feel, 1 thing you can taste. 2. Count up to ten, Count down from ten. 3. Hold water in both hands and take slow sips. 4. Squeeze a ball, wait for it to expand, and squeeze it again. 5. Shake a glitter bottle and watch it settle.


Take advantage of this Free Webinar Series Airing in October

Earlier this year, Attorney General Stein convened leaders from across North Carolina to discuss the challenges facing our youth and strategies to help keep them safe – and following that event, several parents noted that they wished there was a way to share this important information with others who are concerned about our kids. To do so, the NC Department of Justice is organizing a series of webinars targeted to parents, caregivers, and those who work with youth.

This series – Protecting the Next Generation of North Carolinians – will address four specific topics, one per each brief session, and at each, we’ll convene experts to provide background information and practical tips to help keep NC kids healthy and safe. We’ll cover topics including online dangers for youth, safe gun storage, and youth substance use. More information on the series is available here

The series kicks off in October with Keeping Kids Safe at School, at Home, and in our Communities with Safe Gun Storage.

  • Wednesday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

  • Speakers include NC Department of Public Safety Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Raleigh Police Department Lieutenant Billy Gartin, parent advocate Baker Burleson, and Attorney General Josh Stein

  • Register here


Accessibility: Thank you! Abby and Jon Stoian, Christopher and Josef Rupp for participating in last weekend’s workday and being the change we wished to see on campus!

Thank you! Mary Bulan and Kiera Mulvey Bulan, Little Farm, Black Mountain for sharing this beautiful space and hosting a super sweet social event to raise money for the Evergreen Fund!


Image text in Caption

Breakfast! Available each morning in the foyer! No need to pre-order, $2.75 will be charged to your MPP account, unless you qualify for free/reduced lunch, then there is no charge! Click on the pink graphic for the weekly menu.


Chocolate Hearts read: Merci! Image Text in Caption

A Note from Kellam, Teacher Appreciation Coordinator: Fearless Parents, School has started and our brave teachers and staff are back to give our kiddos their best. Let’s show them how much we care by giving them a special treat once a week (preferably Thursday) in the staff lounge. Click the graphic for a sign-up form.

September 14th, 2023

September 14th, 2023


 Unlock Benefits for Your Child and Support Our School - Complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application!

Have you taken a moment to complete the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application for your child? If you haven't already received an email from the school regarding your child's status, we encourage you to apply today.

Completing the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application benefits not only your family but our school community as well- your participation directly contributes to our school's funding. It enables us to provide quality education, resources, and opportunities that benefit all students through Title I funding and other grants, which are based on the number of students eligible for the Free/Reduced Price Lunch Program.   

Please take a moment to complete the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application. Your efforts will make a significant difference, ensuring that every child has access to the support they need.


Title I Parent Meeting

Please join one of the meetings to learn about Title I funds at Evergreen. We'll discuss funding, staffing, interventions, and collaborate on ways to involve parents.

Sept 25th, 12pm on zoom or

Sept 26th, 5pm in person at Evergreen



PLEASE take the time to RSVP to the email linked to the graphic below if you are planning to attend the workday on saturday!

 
 

Mon. Sept 18th - U-Pick Picnic @ Little Farm, Swannanoa Field
6pm-8pm

Come fill your house with flowers to celebrate the transition of the seasons and support the school!

You’re invited to pack a picnic and join us for a U-pick Picnic event hosted by Mary and Kiera, Evergreen parents, and owners of the beautiful Little Farm, Black Mountain!

If we have enough RSVP’s we will have someone there to do face painting and add a few other fun stations!

RSVP for directions to their Swannanoa Field location and enjoy an evening among the blossoms and among friends!

Participants are encouraged to bring a donation for their bouquets and a portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Evergreen Fund. Cash, Venmo, and Square payments accepted, but let’s try to have cash on hand to reduce the fees to the middle man!

Bring: Picnic seating and a fully stocked pic-a-nic basket, sun protection and plenty of water, jars or vases, pruning shears, snips (there will be some containers and tools, plus non-potable water available).

Leave: Pets at home, please!

Many thanks to Mary and Kiera for this beautiful and fun kick-off to our fundraising endeavors!

Do you have a venue or a fun idea for a fundraiser? We’d love to hear from you! Pitch your ideas here!



Childcare During Conferences

If you need child care during conferences on the 21st or 22nd, you may bring them to EverAfter. This is free of charge! Due to conferences being split between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, we have two different plans for each day. 

For Thursday afternoon, the 21st, we will host drop-in care on the Lower Playground and Multipurpose room from 3:55-5:45. We will not be available after 5:45PM, as EverAfter closes at 6.

For Friday morning, the 22nd, we will host drop-in care in the Gym.

Do not just send your children though; you, the parent, need to come in, speak with EverAfter staff, and sign them in and out. You MAY NOT just send them to wherever you see other kids. It will take a few minutes to sign them in, so please plan accordingly, so you are not late to your conference time--your child's teachers' time is both valuable AND limited! We also ask that if you prefer not to use EverAfter, please keep your children with you, or just outside of whatever classroom you are conferencing in. Unsupervised kids will be sent back to their parents or to the main office. Thanks for keeping kids supervised and safe!

Alternately, if you need all day care for your child on the 22nd, and you are registered for EverAfter, please refer to information in the EverAfter Newsletter dated 9/14.

For questions, please reach out to EverAfter Director, James Wilson.


Dinner Time Family Conversation Starters

To get the conversation flowing as your family gathers for dinner, a great tool to utilize is conversation starter questions. This is a fun way to grow social skills by encouraging turn taking, looking/facing towards the person speaking, and staying on topic. After asking your child a question, have them ask you the same question. You can also help your child to practice their language skills and articulate their words by encouraging them to use good speech sounds while asking/answering questions, and modeling correct grammar and sentence structure. Here is a link to a printable resource for getting those conversations started!