Our sons kindergarten teacher gave parents a list of excellent ideas on helping children make summer a fun and educational experience. I’ve decided to share the list with others.

How parents can help:

1. Listen to your child read
2. Read to your child
3. Go to the library with your child and help him/her pick out interesting books to read
4. Find out about activities for children that take place at the library
5. Look through your child’s schoolwork with him/her
6. Read the comic section of the newspaper with your child
7. Help your child select televisions shows to watch
8. Watch a television show together, then discuss/evaluate the show
9. Teach your child how to make an emergency phone call
10. Help your child learn to use telephone directory
11. Show your child the location of your home on a map
12. Play a board game with your child
13. Help your child start a collection of rocks, stamps, pressed leaves…
14. Give your child his own calendar so he can write down special events
15. Write notes to your child
16. Help your child write notes to relatives and friends
17. Subscribe to a children’s magazine (in your child’s name)
18. Help your child cook something
19. Provide materials such as crayons, art paper and paints for creative projects
20. Look up a word in the dictionary with your child
21. Read road signs, store signs, package labels, and license plates.
22. Show your child how to use a ruler, yardstick, and a tape measure for measuring objects around the house
23. Provide counting experiences for your child
24. Encourage your child to keep a scrapbook
25. Encourage your child to wear a watch (not a digital)
26. Let your child see you reading so that you provide a model for him/her to follow
27. Encourage your child to read books more than once. It will give him/her confidence and help him/her to gain new insight
28. Establish a fifteen minute “Family Reading Time.” Eliminate distractions but make it a fun experience
29. Take books along in the car to read while waiting for appointments
30. Give books as presents so they become special and pleasurable
31. Make puppets, draw maps, make bookmarks, and act out stories to celebrate books
32. Establish a “school box” at home to help your child be more organized. Help your child get into the habit of putting all materials that must be taken to school in the box. This system will help you avoid last minute searches for lunch money, books, and permission slips. Helping your child assume responsibility is an excellent way to foster independence.
33. Don’t forget to Read, Read, and Read all summer long!

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