I hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of summer break! I was back at the school yesterday and the portable feels so lonely and quiet without the kids.
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!
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
