Read, Read, Read- every day. Most children drop a reading level between grades. Stay on track by picking up a book everyday this summer.
Explore a summer reading program at the library. Many have read alouds weekly and reading programs with bonuses for books read.
Use a children's cookbook to read and follow directions to make favorite foods. Directions in cookbooks can be simplified by numbering them to assist with sequencing.
Encourage child to read the newspaper. Some newspapers have special pages for children, and many children enjoy the comics.
Read to the child and talk about the book or stories.
Improve vocabulary by learning three new words a week. Post the words on the refrigerator and talk about them each day or start a dictionary together adding new words as they are learned.
Have the child write post cards to grandparents or friends. Make "child size" post cards using 4X6 cards. Divide one side in half using a dark line. Make lines on one side for the address and lines on the other side for the message. Have the child draw a picture on the reverse side or cut one from a magazine.
Travel-Any new place will add to a child’s background knowledge. Keep brochures from places you visit to create a scrapbook, or send post cards to family and friends form each new location.
Start a journal with your child- alternate writing pages with your child about shared experiences. This is a great time to do a ‘think aloud’ letting your child see how you reason through problems.
Write a letter to family or friends. Reluctant writers benefit from filling in the blanks or dictating the letter to an adult and then copying it.
Use the computer to play games to learn math facts, improve reading and vocabulary. Available at your local library.
Listen to math facts or books on tape or CDs (this is great for long road trips). Also available at your local library.
Match or sort coins- depending on child's age or add random sets of coins, or have your child help count our change for a purchase and check for correct change.
Play a game together.
Visit local attractions-such as local museums (Reynolda House, SciWorks, Children’s Museum), and parks, and check your local newspaper for free events such as movie screenings and city sponsored events for children.
Spend time with your child-talking, listening to music, and playing.
