Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Dear Parents,

I can’t believe I’m writing the last letter of the school year.  I’ve enjoyed working with your children.  I have some suggestions for the summer that will help prepare them for second grade.

It’s important for your child to read throughout the summer.  The public library has a library program for children.  With my own children, we have a library day each week.  I have them pick five books that they can read.   It’s something they look forward to.  When we get home everyone takes their books and begins reading.  It also works well to have the children read quietly a half hour before they turn their lights out at night.

I encourage you to have them write throughout the summer.  They can write letters to relatives or other classmates.  They can begin a summer journal.  Give them a notebook.  Show them how to write the date on the top.  Then have them write a few sentences about what happened that day.  They can write in it each day or once a week.  It will be a special treasure that they will enjoy looking at when they get older.

It is very helpful if the children can memorize the adding and subtracting facts to 18.  You can buy flashcards at Wal-mart.  Start out with facts to 10 and add more, as they are able.  This will be a skill that will be very helpful as they learn harder math.

I know it’s difficult to fit all this into your summer schedule.  If you start right away with a routine the children usually will adapt to it.  They like routines.  After a couple of days they will remind you that it’s time to read or write.

Also, the best way to learn is through experience.  Traveling to new places can be a great opportunity to learn.  Children can read about a place before they go there or help find it on a map and keep track of miles.  Most of all have fun! 


We will celebrate Evan’s birthday today.  His birthday is on August 21.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVAN!