Summer is almost here. But that doesn't mean that learning should stop! I would like to challenge your children to continue reading every day. Doing this will not only help your children continue the learning and progress they have been experiencing during this past school year, but it will help them to be more successful next school year (and on into the future years). Here are a few ideas taken from http://www.teachingheart.net/summerread.html:
*Have a variety of books, magazines, books on tape, and other reading materials available for your children during the summer. These may be from home or from the local library.
*Help your children select books that interest them. To determine the right level for your children, have them choose a page in the book and see if they can read it with less than 5 unknown words.
*Connect reading with the summer activities you'll be doing (for instance, books on a place you will visit on vacation).
*Get your children their own library cards. Visit the library regularly to return and check out books.
Check the website above for more ideas and for a list of books your children may enjoy. Happy reading!
Bright Ideas: Getting Your Kids Through the End of the School Year
Last week, I posted two ways to help your child to end the school year with a strong finish. These tips were to stick to routine and to increase the time your child spends outside as the weather gets warmer. Here are two more tips on how to help your child stay focused on school during these last few weeks of the year.
Tip #3: Plan Ahead -- This is a time of transition for your children. They are transitioning from learning in school to learning outside of school for the summer months. Pick up books relating to a big vacation you are planning. Get your children notebooks and encourage them to write stories or to journal about what they do during the summer. Another big transition will be going from one grade to another. I would be happy to visit with you about things your child can do during the summer to improve skills to help him/her to be as prepared as possible for next year.
Tip # 4: Acknowledge Progress -- Get your children thinking about their accomplishments this year. Talking about their growth, challenges, and progress helps children feel that their hard work during the year has paid off. Also, think about celebrating all of that hard work in a fun way at the end of the year. For example, plan an end-of-year luncheon or scavenger hunt with friends to give a "high five" to your kids for all they have learned.
Read more about this subject at http://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/tips-to-get-your-kids-through-the-end-of-the-school-year/.
Tip #3: Plan Ahead -- This is a time of transition for your children. They are transitioning from learning in school to learning outside of school for the summer months. Pick up books relating to a big vacation you are planning. Get your children notebooks and encourage them to write stories or to journal about what they do during the summer. Another big transition will be going from one grade to another. I would be happy to visit with you about things your child can do during the summer to improve skills to help him/her to be as prepared as possible for next year.
Tip # 4: Acknowledge Progress -- Get your children thinking about their accomplishments this year. Talking about their growth, challenges, and progress helps children feel that their hard work during the year has paid off. Also, think about celebrating all of that hard work in a fun way at the end of the year. For example, plan an end-of-year luncheon or scavenger hunt with friends to give a "high five" to your kids for all they have learned.
Read more about this subject at http://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/tips-to-get-your-kids-through-the-end-of-the-school-year/.
Bright Ideas: Getting Your Kids Through the End of the School Year
As the weather gets warmer and the school year begins to wind down, children begin to get restless. However, the end of the school year is an important time academically for students. Laura Mayne, former teacher and author of Meet the Teacher: How to Help Your Child Navigate Elementary School, says, "I used to tell my students, it's like the playoffs. This is when you really buckle down because your teacher is gathering marks for your final report cards and you want to do your best work." So how can parents help? Here are some tips that will help your child finish the year off right:
*Stick to Routine - When warmer weather comes, don't be tempted to throw out that schedule you've stuck with all year. Keeping up with good eating habits and reasonable bedtimes will help your children cope with end-of-year activities and will help them focus on the final bits of curriculum that teachers are trying to fit into the last few weeks. Reinforcing that your expectations and the teacher's expectations are still the same will help with behavior, as well.
*Take it Outside - Outside play time can help children to concentrate and cooperate better. Try letting your children go outside to do their homework or simply give them time for free outside play after school.
Next week, I will include two more tips for ending the school year on a good note. At http://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/tips-to-get-your-kids-through-the-end-of-the-school-year/, you can read more about this subject.
*Stick to Routine - When warmer weather comes, don't be tempted to throw out that schedule you've stuck with all year. Keeping up with good eating habits and reasonable bedtimes will help your children cope with end-of-year activities and will help them focus on the final bits of curriculum that teachers are trying to fit into the last few weeks. Reinforcing that your expectations and the teacher's expectations are still the same will help with behavior, as well.
*Take it Outside - Outside play time can help children to concentrate and cooperate better. Try letting your children go outside to do their homework or simply give them time for free outside play after school.
Next week, I will include two more tips for ending the school year on a good note. At http://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/tips-to-get-your-kids-through-the-end-of-the-school-year/, you can read more about this subject.
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