Aahhh...summer. There's no other time of year quite like it. A time to slow down the pace, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with family and friends. While doing away with the regiment of the school year may be necessary, one important factor should not be ignored. Students still need to practice the reading, writing, and math skills they have acquired to prevent what could be as much as a three month regression. The key is make it fun, or make it rewarding. Kids don't have to give up their whole summer! Nobody is asking for that!
In as little as 15 minutes a day, skills can be practiced and kept fresh. Many schools now send home reading and math assignments for summer. Don't let your child turn this into drudgery or let them percieve this as torture or punishment. Put a positive spin on it. For example, parents might try making this part of the waking up routine; before the TV goes on, or the phone rings, or the computer boots up, spend 15 minutes on the skill of your choice, and then get on with your day! When the TV or computer is being used, require 15 to 30 minutes of educational activity, such as The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, or NOVA. There are many web sites for students where they can listen to a book, practice geography, and math skills, often in a game format. Perhaps the most important part is your (Mom and Dad!) attitude toward this important summer practice. If you, as the parent, accept the importance and present this to your child in a positive manner, your child is more likely to accept the challenge. If not, there is nothing wrong with setting up a reward system where children earn small rewards and privileges for successful work. Just be sure to focus on work quality. Be careful not to send the message that completion is the most important goal when quality of work and good effort are as important! Think of it as their pay day...they worked well, they get paid. School is after all their job, and they need to understand the responsibility they have to be the best student they can be....all year long. Then when the work is done....get outside and have some fun! Or better yet, enroll in an activity that will provide new experiences for your child, whether in science, math, reading, music, art, sports, or the environment. Summer is a great time to expand the minds of your children!
Be sure to download your child's summer reading and math packets:
Packets for all grades 3-5
Here are some other helpful links :
Parent Resources "Empowering Parents"
Just Right Books
Creating a Home Library
Or go to my class web site for more information:
My class web site and click on "Summer Reading"
