#1)Use what’s free and close by. The library is your best friend! Visit it every week or every two weeks so your child can check out new reading material. Many libraries have summer reading programs with incentives (prizes!). Use the internet to search for other opportunities in your area. There was a flyer that was sent home, check their backpack!
#2 Read, read, and read some more! When choosing books that are just right for your soon-to-be first grader, have your child read aloud the first 2 pages to you. If each page has just a few sentences on it, your child should be able to read all but about 2 of the words. If there are more than 3 tricky words on these two pages, this is a good indication that the book is too hard for your child and will frustrate him/her. You’ll want to choose a variety of books, of course – some that are too hard for your child but that you can read aloud to her, and some that are just right for your child to read independently.
#3 Integrate learning into everyday activities. For example, your child can easily practice writing by helping you make a grocery list. You can dictate what you want on the list, and your child can write down the words. Don’t focus too much on correct spelling, what is most important is having your child practice listening for the sounds in words and then writing them down. Other fun summer writing ideas: have your child keep a daily or weekly journal, write a postcard/letter to a friend or relative, or about something fun they've done this summer.
#4 Let's not forget about math! Get out the deck of cards or the old board games and start playing. Games like Go Fish, Top It and Crazy 8s are great games that you can play with a simple deck of cards and they are easily purchased at Dollar Tree. Board Games like Chutes and Ladders or Candyland are great for counting and Sorry helps with strategy as well. Many of these games can be found at yard sales or second hand stores!
#5 Take it outside! Any of these activities can be done outside and may even make them more exciting. Our Beach Reading day at school was a huge success :)
Enjoy the summer with your child and have them share what they have learned with you this year!
