As promised, here is the electronic version of the document included with report cards. If I see other links of interest, I'll try to post them here.
What can I do to help my child over the summer?
I am often asked what parents can do at home to help their child continue learning over the summer, and to make September re-entry easier. Here is a list of things you can do that will help tremendously!
First off, let them have a break!! We work very hard during the year, and they deserve a break. Try to find a balance between play time and learning time. Also, try to be creative, and make learning as authentic as possible. There are lots of ideas in here for authentic learning.
*I will post a version of this on the blog so you can click the links instead of having to type them*
French and English Language Arts
- Write Mme Jessica an email!! I’d love to hear about what the students are doing over the summer. I’ll try to check my school email once a week during the break. mme.jessica.chapelski@gmail.com
- Writing about what they do on vacation is always engaging for children! It can be fun to have a special journal to write in (you can get neat note books at a dollar store).
- Since they will be learning English and French next year, it is good to alternate languages each journal entry.
- To keep up with French, it is a good idea to listen to French radio, watch French TV, change the language on movies to French, read French books, etc.
- Alphaboxes (see the worksheet at the end of this document). Pick a category and think of a word for each letter of the alphabet.
- Use story starters to create a story! (I will post some pictures and links on the blog)
- Read, read, read, read, read!!! It can be fun to visit other libraries and see what kinds of books they have. I recently visited the Brighouse branch of the Richmond library (right by Richmond Center) and they have a FANTASTIC selection of French books!
- Here is a selections of books: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/books4boys/agegrade_middle.php
- Don’t forget to sign up for the summer reading club at your local library. Students were given information in class.
- Have your child read brochures in both languages when you go on a trip somewhere.
- Have them research things to do and see during the summer (this is a great way to practice reading non-fiction)
- If you are cooking, have them read the recipie
- Online scrabble in French: https://duplika.ca/
- Have them do a personal interest project. Pick something they’re passionate about and have them research about it. It helps to start with a question
Math
Often, we think of math as worksheets, but there is so much more to it!
- Give them an answer and have them make up a question:
- Practice multiplication: http://www.teachingwithsimplicity.com/2013/06/10-ways-to-practice-multiplication-facts.html
- Make up something like this: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minecraft-Inspired-Multiplication-Practice-Watch-Think-Color-CCSS3OAC7-700183
- If you are baking, have them half or double the recipie
- If you are traveling, have them estimate how much money you will need as a family, or as an individual
- Play games such as monopoly or cribbage
- Make your own list of activities for the ‘number of the day’
Other ideas...
- We learned all about plants this year. If you have a garden, involve your child in garden work.
- ‘I’m bored’ games http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Grade+teacher+bored+game+makes+playthings+household+basics/11099029/story.html
