Well, it's the most wonderful time of the year, right? Many of us are looking forward to a break from school - no alarm clocks, homework, after school activities, etc. While a break from school is nice, it is important to keep our kids' brains exercised. Whether you are going away or having a "staycation," below are some fun ways to keep your child engaged and thinking during the break!
1. READ - Throughout the year, many children have required reading or specific types of books/levels that they need to read. Now is a great time to take your child to the library or bookstore and have them choose something they want to read. It can be a joke book, kids magazine, world record book, comic book or novel. This is a great way to show them that there are so many types of texts and if it is something that they choose and enjoy, then they are more likely to read it! They are also more likely to read if they see others doing the same. Pick up a book or magazine you've been dying to read and sit and read next to your child!
2. REFLECTION/LOG - If your child really enjoys something that she read, have her draw a picture of her favorite part, write a few sentences about the story, etc. If your child does not want to complete an extension activity, they can keep a log of the books they complete during the break.
3. WORD PUZZLES - Word searches, crosswords and other word games are a great way for kids to strengthen visual discrimination skills, build vocabulary skills, read and have fun! For intermediate and older students, you can find word puzzle books at the grocery store, dollar store and drug store. For younger children you can look at a school store such as The School Box or Lakeshore Learning to find a word puzzle book on your child's specific level. There are also great websites that you can google where kids can play the games online. Apps are also available for iPhones and iPads.
4. SPELLING GAMES - Scrabble, Upwords, and Bananagrams are all great fun games that you can play during the break. For young children they can use the letter tiles just to spell simple words. For older children it gives them an opportunity to apply all of the spelling skills/strategies they are learning in school. If younger children are learning to spell sight words, let them practice spelling the words with finger paints, paint with a paint brush, chalk on driveway, finger in pudding, etc. If it is fun they will do it!
5. MATH GAMES - Depending upon the grade, many children are working throughout the year on various math facts and skills. If your child struggles with his math facts, it is a good idea to continue practicing during the break. Some kids will shutdown if they see flashcards ("I am on vacation. Why do I have to do flashcards?") so I will offer some other alternatives. You can take dice, have him roll them and make a number sentence using the numbers rolled (he can use addition, subtract, multiplication, or division.) You can also do this with a deck of cards. You can use a deck of cards to play War (good for kids that are working on numbers that are greater than and less than). Color by number activities are great for younger children that are learning their numbers (you can find a lot of these to print for free online). There are an endless number of websites where kids can play online games for free. You can google a specific skill they are working on and plenty of links will come up.
6. ACTIVITY LOG - Whether away or at home, you can take your child to the store to pick out a special notebook that she can use as an activity log. She can write about the different people or places she visits during the break. A great incentive for kids is to let them snap a picture or two of each place/person they see. Tell them that you will print the pictures and that they can write about the experience and then glue/tape the picture that goes with it into the book. Tell her she can take the book to school to show her teacher once the break is over.
7. PUZZLES - It is amazing how many children these days do not have any experience putting together a puzzle. Working on a puzzle is not only a great pastime for many of us, but it teaches strategies and problem solving skills. Get a puzzle that the whole family can work on together. Make sure that you model (out loud) the steps. For example, "Let's start with the corners." Now we should find all the pieces with a straight edge." It will not only be great family time, but you are teaching valuable lessons as well!
8. IMAGINATIVE PLAY - In our fast paced society, our children have very little time to come up with their own ideas about what they want to play and then actually do it. Take a technology time out. Guide your child to make up a game, build something, create something with their art supplies, dress up, pretend, etc. Even doing nothing for a little while is healthy!
9. COMMUNITY HELP - Some of the most important lessons are non-academic. At this time of year when many of our children will receive presents and have large meals with family and friends, it is important to teach our children the important lesson of giving. Before the gifts start rolling in, have your child clean out his room/playroom. Let them make a pile of all of the toys that they no longer play with. Explain that there are children less fortunate that could really use the toys. Once the pile is complete, make sure you take your child with you to donate the toys. It is important for them to be a part of that part of the process. You can also take them to a store and have them pick one or two items that they can purchase for a child in need. Again, take them to the donation spot to see that the toys are being donated. In addition, they can go with you to help donate to a canned good drive or, depending upon their age, to even help serve food at a shelter. These activities are not only good for the brain but they are great for the heart!
10. HAVE FUN! Nothing is better for the whole body than a break and a time to recharge. Spend time with family and friends, relax and just do some FUN work along the way!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tips For Successful Parent Teacher Conferences
It's that time of year! Parent Teacher conferences are upon us and it is time to find out what is going on with your child at school. There are many important things to think about and remember when going to speak to your child's teacher.
1) Before the conference, think about whether or not you have questions to ask the teacher. It's ok if you can't think of any! (Be prepared with your questions but let the teacher speak first before you ask them. She may answer them before you have to ask!)
2) Go in with a positive attitude!
3) Before you start offering a lot of information about your child, listen to what the teacher has to say. It is important to get a good idea of the child that the teacher sees in class. Remember, class and home are completely different environments so there are times when teachers may see different behaviors or struggles than you see at home. If you are surprised at some of the things the teacher sees in class, it is ok to let him know what you see at home.
4) If a teacher discusses any struggles or weaknesses that your child may be having, it is important to then ask what she is doing in the class to help, support or modify for your child. If the teacher mentions areas where your child may be excelling, be sure to ask what is being done in class to help challenge your child in that area.
5) It is important to not only learn about your child academically, but socially too. If the teacher does not bring it up be sure to ask about whether or not your child socializes appropriately in class, at recess, etc. You can ask who in the class he tends to gravitate towards and whether or not that seems to be a good match. If so, you may want to set up some play dates with that friend outside of school.
6) If your child does well on her report card but it requires a great deal of effort and work at home to achieve those grades, it is important to let the teacher know that you are happy with the grades but that it isn't easy for your child and that A LOT of work goes into earning those grades.
7) If homework is a battle at home or if your child is disorganized and can't seem to keep her materials together, let the teacher know and ask what strategies he is using in class to help students with these Executive Function skills.
8) Ask about your child's classroom participation. Does he raise his hand, volunteer, or wait to be called on?
9) If you feel there were any surprises during the conference and you do not want to wait to hear information like this at the next conference, ask your teacher to please touch base in a few weeks about what was discussed. If you don't hear from the teacher, follow up with a phone call or email.
10) Make sure you THANK the teacher for all of her hard work and support!
1) Before the conference, think about whether or not you have questions to ask the teacher. It's ok if you can't think of any! (Be prepared with your questions but let the teacher speak first before you ask them. She may answer them before you have to ask!)
2) Go in with a positive attitude!
3) Before you start offering a lot of information about your child, listen to what the teacher has to say. It is important to get a good idea of the child that the teacher sees in class. Remember, class and home are completely different environments so there are times when teachers may see different behaviors or struggles than you see at home. If you are surprised at some of the things the teacher sees in class, it is ok to let him know what you see at home.
4) If a teacher discusses any struggles or weaknesses that your child may be having, it is important to then ask what she is doing in the class to help, support or modify for your child. If the teacher mentions areas where your child may be excelling, be sure to ask what is being done in class to help challenge your child in that area.
5) It is important to not only learn about your child academically, but socially too. If the teacher does not bring it up be sure to ask about whether or not your child socializes appropriately in class, at recess, etc. You can ask who in the class he tends to gravitate towards and whether or not that seems to be a good match. If so, you may want to set up some play dates with that friend outside of school.
6) If your child does well on her report card but it requires a great deal of effort and work at home to achieve those grades, it is important to let the teacher know that you are happy with the grades but that it isn't easy for your child and that A LOT of work goes into earning those grades.
7) If homework is a battle at home or if your child is disorganized and can't seem to keep her materials together, let the teacher know and ask what strategies he is using in class to help students with these Executive Function skills.
8) Ask about your child's classroom participation. Does he raise his hand, volunteer, or wait to be called on?
9) If you feel there were any surprises during the conference and you do not want to wait to hear information like this at the next conference, ask your teacher to please touch base in a few weeks about what was discussed. If you don't hear from the teacher, follow up with a phone call or email.
10) Make sure you THANK the teacher for all of her hard work and support!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Fresh Start With A Chart!
Are you tired of hearing that you forgot to put your child's book back in their backpack or that you were supposed to sign something that your child never gave you?
Now that school is back in session, it is time to make sure that we are helping our kids take responsibility for their own materials and work.
What to do? Start with a chart! Charts are not just for younger children. Sit down with your child and decide what his responsibilities are when he gets home from school. You can use the computer and list the days of the week across the top with your child's responsibilities along the right side. Then create boxes so your child can make a check mark as he completes the task.
Examples:
Younger children can list things such as wash hands, have snack, show folder, do homework, place homework back in bag, library books in bag, etc.
Older children can list things such as show agenda/get it signed, complete homework, study, read, etc.
If there is something listed that does not apply one day, they can put an "x" in the box.
A chart like this can help put the responsibility in your child's hands as opposed to yours. It is important that she helps create the chart and list of responsibilities. Post the chart in a common area so she sees it daily and remembers to use it!
Now that school is back in session, it is time to make sure that we are helping our kids take responsibility for their own materials and work.
What to do? Start with a chart! Charts are not just for younger children. Sit down with your child and decide what his responsibilities are when he gets home from school. You can use the computer and list the days of the week across the top with your child's responsibilities along the right side. Then create boxes so your child can make a check mark as he completes the task.
Examples:
Younger children can list things such as wash hands, have snack, show folder, do homework, place homework back in bag, library books in bag, etc.
Older children can list things such as show agenda/get it signed, complete homework, study, read, etc.
If there is something listed that does not apply one day, they can put an "x" in the box.
A chart like this can help put the responsibility in your child's hands as opposed to yours. It is important that she helps create the chart and list of responsibilities. Post the chart in a common area so she sees it daily and remembers to use it!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Snow Day Suggestions
To want a snow day or not to want a snow day? That is a good question. While many of us would love not to have to set an alarm clock and drive carpool or stand outside and freeze at the bus stop, we may have hesitations about being stranded in the house for a day (or possibly more) with the kids.
While going outside and playing in snow or ice may be fun for awhile, it gets old pretty quickly when you can no longer feel your fingers. Therefore, be prepared with some good activities that can keep your kids occupied and stimulated so they don't drive you crazy! (At least for some of the day!)
3. Dig out your puzzles
Do you have puzzles in your house that the kids have not played with in awhile? Puzzles are excellent activities that strengthen visual/spacial and problem solving skills. Need some new puzzles? Swap with friends or neighbors and everyone's kids can have a new puzzle to work on!
4. Fight boredom with board games
A board games is a great way for children to learn how to take turns, play fair, and spend some time engaging with friends or family. Again, swapping games with friends is a great way to bring new fun into the house.
5. Portraits
Have your child create a self portrait or a portrait of a sibling. Then the sibling can switch!
6. Everyone read!!!
What better way to tell your children how important reading is then by showing them! Light a fire, make some hot chocolate and curl up with your child and a good book!
7. Make your own word search.
You can draw a few grids on a paper. Your and your child can each place some winter words within your own grid and then list the words at the bottom of the paper. Then, fill in the rest of the grid with random letters. Switch papers and find the words. You can even use highlighters to find the words (the kids usually love to use them!)
8. Math Manipulatives
Your house if full of great math manipulatives. Young kids can count or add/subtract with Cheerios, and older kids can use a deck of cards to play war (you can play higher number wins, or each player can turn over two cards, add them, and the person with the highest sum takes the cards). Have dominoes? Let your child add the dots or even write the number equation that goes with the domino.
9. Scavenger Hunts
A great way for young children to practice following multistep directions is to send them on a scavenger hunt. For example, say "Go upstairs and find something soft and something blue." (Make sure your child repeats what they have to find first before going upstairs.) If two things are difficult, give them one item to find. If two items are too easy, give them more things to search for. If you have older children, you can write or type a list of items for them to locate. (Use descriptions as opposed to just the name of the items. Ex: something cold, instead of saying ice pack)
10. Making Memories
Take pictures of things you are doing during the snow day. Have your child write and/or draw a picture about all they did that day. When you print the photographs, attach them to the stories and you will be able to make your snowy day memories last!
While going outside and playing in snow or ice may be fun for awhile, it gets old pretty quickly when you can no longer feel your fingers. Therefore, be prepared with some good activities that can keep your kids occupied and stimulated so they don't drive you crazy! (At least for some of the day!)
1. Start the new year with a new calendar
It is January so why not have your kids make their own calendar? You can go online and print out monthly calendars. Older kids can write in the dates and fill in important information. For younger kids, you can print out the calendars that already have the numbers on them. You can also take blank white paper and for each month the kids can draw pictures that go along with that month (e.g., hearts for Valentine's Day in February). Make sure they draw on the blank paper in the same direction the months are printed. When the kids are done, staple the pages together so that when you open the calendar the picture for the month is on top and the calendar for the month is on the bottom.
2. Make your own Bingo
You can either make a blank board (4x4 squares, 5x5 squares, etc.) or you can print one out online. Depending on what your child is working on in school or what they enjoy, you can use math or reading as the theme for your game. For children that need help with reading numbers, you can fill in numbers on the board (make sure everyone fills in their boards in a different way) and put the same numbers on separate cards (can use index cards). You take turns choosing a card and the child has to say the number they chose and locate it on their board. For older kids, you can fill in the board with math equations (e.g., 5+2 or 3*6) and put the answers to these problems on the index cards. Also, you can fill the boards with sight words your child may be learning or words that they should be able to read. Anything goes! Have your child help develop the game.
3. Dig out your puzzles
Do you have puzzles in your house that the kids have not played with in awhile? Puzzles are excellent activities that strengthen visual/spacial and problem solving skills. Need some new puzzles? Swap with friends or neighbors and everyone's kids can have a new puzzle to work on!
4. Fight boredom with board games
A board games is a great way for children to learn how to take turns, play fair, and spend some time engaging with friends or family. Again, swapping games with friends is a great way to bring new fun into the house.
5. Portraits
Have your child create a self portrait or a portrait of a sibling. Then the sibling can switch!
6. Everyone read!!!
What better way to tell your children how important reading is then by showing them! Light a fire, make some hot chocolate and curl up with your child and a good book!
7. Make your own word search.
You can draw a few grids on a paper. Your and your child can each place some winter words within your own grid and then list the words at the bottom of the paper. Then, fill in the rest of the grid with random letters. Switch papers and find the words. You can even use highlighters to find the words (the kids usually love to use them!)
8. Math Manipulatives
Your house if full of great math manipulatives. Young kids can count or add/subtract with Cheerios, and older kids can use a deck of cards to play war (you can play higher number wins, or each player can turn over two cards, add them, and the person with the highest sum takes the cards). Have dominoes? Let your child add the dots or even write the number equation that goes with the domino.
9. Scavenger Hunts
A great way for young children to practice following multistep directions is to send them on a scavenger hunt. For example, say "Go upstairs and find something soft and something blue." (Make sure your child repeats what they have to find first before going upstairs.) If two things are difficult, give them one item to find. If two items are too easy, give them more things to search for. If you have older children, you can write or type a list of items for them to locate. (Use descriptions as opposed to just the name of the items. Ex: something cold, instead of saying ice pack)
10. Making Memories
Take pictures of things you are doing during the snow day. Have your child write and/or draw a picture about all they did that day. When you print the photographs, attach them to the stories and you will be able to make your snowy day memories last!
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