- Read, read, read with and to your child every single day. Ask questions along to way to facilitate conversation and comprehension. The same basic questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) can be applied to fiction and nonfiction. Making predictions about what may happen next based on information from the story/text is an excellent skill to practice at home, too.
- Count everything and skip count, too. If your child is proficient starting from zero, start counting at a random number.
- Practice estimation throughout the day. For example, ask your child, "How many stairs do you think there are?" and then have your child count as he/she climbs. At the grocery store, see who can estimate the total cost closest to the actual amount of the bill. Have each diner estimate the cost of a meal at a restaurant when the check arrives to see who is the closest.
- Let your child manipulate actual coins to help with money mastery. Use coins to assist with skip counting practice.
- Cooking is a delicious way to spend time together and practice fractions in a real life setting.
- Set aside a time and quiet, electronic-free place for homework each day. Getting into the homework habit is as important as the practice itself.
- Practice spelling with alphabet crackers or cereal. Spelling words can be written in shaving foam or manipulated with magnets.
- Keep a spelling list and/or a set of math flashcards in your car for quick review.
- Does your child know his/her address and other essential information? If not, teach it through a song. My boys learned our address by singing it to the melody of "Twinkle, Twinkle." It really works, and it works quickly.
- All students need a library card.
- Every single person at Betsy Ross and Anne Sullivan Schools needs a good night's rest as well as a healthy breakfast each day to perform at one's best.
- Have your child decorate the cover of a notebook to be used for writing, any kind of writing - stories, lists, cartoons, poetry, etc.
- A phone call/Facetime/Skype to Grandma or another special person in his/her life is the perfect way for a child to practice oral reading short pieces such as poetry.
- So many clocks are digital. This can make learning to tell time tricky. When you come across them, point out analog clocks and their times.
- Parents certainly can guide with homework as needed, but if your child is truly struggling with a concept, please reach out to his/her teacher. That's important information for a teacher to know.
- READ, READ, READ to and with your child every single day.