Handout 12: Making Simpler Sentences

Instructions: Make the following sentences easier to read. On this page, a part of each sentence has been rewritten for you. The next page contains whole paragraphs that you will need to rewrite.
  1. Parents must register their children prior to the start of the Head Start program year.

    Parents, you must _________________________________________________________________

  2. Staff violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action resulting in suspension or termination of employment.

    Staff members, if you _________________________________________________________________

  3. The orientation evening is for parents and teachers to get acquainted.

    Parents, you can _______________________________________________________________________

  4. There has been a modification to the curricular schedule.

    We have _______________________________________________________________

  5. This Head Start program is based on an effective staff development model.

    We believe in __________________________________________________________

  6. Elements of Head Start's curriculum for pre-school age children includes guided learning, social development opportunities, narrative activities, outdoor physical exercise, expressive play, and nutritional opportunities.

Head Start's program for children age 5 and under includes:
  1. It is requested that you attend our orientation function which commences at 8 p.m. tonight on these premises. At this meeting, staff will explain Center procedures, disseminate critical materials, and solicit parent input on a variety of matters concerning curricula.


  2. This is in reference to your child's excessive tardiness. Children derive optimum benefit from our program when they have full exposure to the curriculum. Henceforth, please endeavor to deliver your child to class in a timely manner. Should you require assistance, contact our Family Worker. She will be glad to collaborate with you to resolve the situation.


  3. Disciplining children, based as it must be on the use of parental power, never influences; it only compels children to behave in prescribed ways for the present moment, usually leaving the child unpersuaded, unconvinced, and unmotivated. A more effective parenting process entices children into the desired behavior patterns.


  4. Handicapped children are eligible to enroll in our Head Start program. Our services for special needs children involve recruitment, evaluation (including screening, assessment, and diagnosis), implementation of the Individual Education Plan process and facilitation of the child's transition to public school.

Handout 12: Making Simpler Sentences (key)

NOTE: Do not distribute this key to workshop participants. It is for the trainer only. Handing out this key to workshop participants may give them the false impression that there is only one correct way to rewrite the sentences. The rewrites below are provided as examples only, as an aid to the trainer.
  1. Parents, you must sign up your children before the Head Start program begins.

  2. Staff members, if you break this rule. you may be suspended or fired.

  3. Parents, you can meet your child's teacher at Welcome Night.

  4. We have made changes to the education plan.

  5. We believe in on-going staff training and support.
  6. Head Start's program for children age 5 and under includes:
    • teacher-led learning activities
    • group games and projects
    • story time
    • outdoor playground time
    • free play, and
    • healthy snacks.

  7. Please attend our orientation program, which starts at 8 p.m. tonight here at the Center. At this meeting, we will explain how the Center is run, hand out important materials, and ask for your ideas on several things having to do with the education plan.
  8. I am writing you about your child coming late so often. Children gain the most from our program when they attend the whole class. From now on, please try to get your child to class on time. If you need help, contact our Family Worker. She will be glad to work with you to solve any problem.
  9. When you force children to behave, it doesn't necessarily change how they will behave again in the future. You can be more successful if you find positive ways to encourage your child to behave the way you want.
  10. We welcome children with special needs to our program. To help such children succeed at Head Start, we:
    • actively recruit children with special needs
    • conduct a full evaluation of each child
    • create a special education plan for each child (similar to the "IEP" used in public schools for special needs children)
    • help each child successfully make the move into the public schools

Module 3 | Handout 11 | Handout 13

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