If a parent asked how to keep a kid ready for school during the summer, what would be your number one piece of advice? I would have to give two pieces of advice. Give your children a variety of rich learning experiences all summer. Children who have a lot of different experiences such as museums, parks, library visits, or even just a trip through the woods build what's called schema. This better enables them to connect with what they are learning in school. These are their "Aha" moments. They can connect with something they have seen or done. This helps with making reading connections. Children learn best by doing.
Another
would be to have children continue to read over the summer. Some students can
lose up to three reading levels over the summer. Reading a "just right" or on-level book for 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference. As a parent, you
should ask questions about their books. Look at the back of the book for clues.
"Who is this character? What are they like? Why do you think they would choose
to do that?" Make reading a part of their daily routine.
What kind of activities are especially helpful for getting a child ready to go back to school? Setting a bedtime routine at the beginning of August that will get them back on track for early morning classes is incredibly important. Research suggests children who receive 8 to 10 hours of sleep on a regular schedule tend to do better in school. Also, Gymboree and some libraries have classes for school prep. This is beneficial for pre-k and kindergarten students because it sets up expectations and routines for school. And talk to your child about setting goals for the school year. Find out what questions or concerns your child has about school. Have them write down their goals for the year or even just the first semester. What kind of study habits would you like to have this year? What are you going to do differently than last year? What worked last year for you at school that you are going to try to do again this year? What are you looking forward to about school? What are you worried about?
How do you think parents could get a child excited about going back to school? Remind them of all the great new learning experiences they are going to have at school. Each year provides something new and exciting. Ask them what they liked about what the older kids were doing the year before. Take your child to any activities the school is having before hand. Many high schools have a camp for new freshmen. Even back to school shopping can be exciting.
In the past, what do you think children are most fearful of when returning to school? Children are fearful of change and not knowing what to expect. Mostly, they are afraid of not having a close peer group with them throughout the day. Some other concerns: Am I going to know where my classes are located? Am I going to know my locker combination? Will my friends be in my classes? Will my teachers be nice?
What do you look forward to when going back to school? I
always look forward to meeting new students and building new relationships with
my kids. I'm a Reading Specialist, so my love is about growing new readers and
showing kids how to pick out books that they like. I love hearing students say
they enjoyed a book they chose on their own.
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