Summer break is almost through, and you might be wondering if your young child actually remembers how to read, write, spell, add and subtract. Truth be told, most kids regress a little over summer - so don't stress out if that's the case.
We have a few tips to help keep academics up as Back to School approaches:
(1) Do a little writing every day
For developing writers (K-1) we recommend providing daily opportunities for them to write their name, and some sentences. As the final two weeks of break come about, increase the workload to what they were capable of producing at the end of the last school year. Most K-1 kids can write anywhere between 1-5 sentences, with the majority of first graders averaging 3 sentences at a time. If you think they are ready, try challenging them to an extra sentence or writing genre.
(2) Focus on pencil writing
Even though your child probably does some/all of their school work on a laptop or iPad, pencil writing is still a necessary skill. It is also the most likely to be lost over the 3 month break, whereas they've probably spent a significant amount of time on technology over summer. Make sure your child is holding the pencil correctly, writing letters top-to-bottom and left-to-right to ensure writing fluency.
(3) Refresh math concepts
Math work can be made simple, fun and effective when refreshed in a casual way. Grab a pack of Skittles and you've got yourself a math lesson. Sorting, matching, patterns, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions - everything!
(4) Go to the library, or buy a new physical book
Many children are reluctant to read physical books, considering so much reading education is done on screens. We know they can read screens, but how well can they read a book? Ignite your child's passion for reading by giving them a new book or taking them to the library regularly. Get into the habit of reading to emerging readers daily, and having beginning readers practice aloud for 20 minutes a day.
