Don’t let your child fall behind!  
  (In Spanish)

This summer, don’t let your child forget the skills used during the school year.  Here are some ways to help your child come to 5^th grade prepared for 5^th grade material.

1.    Turn off the television and gaming systems.

In my house, the t.v. is off from 9-5.  Sure, the kids hate it, but we find other things to do.  This also allows for reading time and gets us out of the house.

2.    Be sure your child reads at least 20 minutes a day.

Visit the library each week to select books on your child’s level.  Ask your child to tell you what is going on in the book. If they can not answer who, what, when, where, and why questions, they are not comprehending the book.  It may be too difficult for them to read or they may not understand the vocabulary.  You may need to read sections with your child and help them better understand the plot, or select a different book.  Have your child keep a reading record of the books completed.  Jot down a short (1-2 sentence) summary of the book.

3.    Math is important too.

Children loose their math skills and facts when they don’t use them.  During 4^th grade, we mastered multiplication.  Many of these facts will be forgotten over the summer.  Use math games on the internet to practice these skills.  Some useful sites are at the bottom of the page.

4.    Don’t forget to write!

Have your child keep a journal over the summer months.  Take time every few days for your child to write about the different experiences that they have done over the summer.  I am sure your child’s 5^th grade teacher will enjoy hearing about and reading these stories. 

5.    Use the computer.

Have your child go to one of the websites listed below to use and practice skills.  Maybe assign your child to 30 minutes of computer time a day dedicated to school practice, not games!  Sometimes directions are difficult to understand.  Help your child to understand the learning game then let them play.  Check in often to see how they are doing.

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mhm/testprep/gr4/index.html

          This website practices math facts and skills.

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_lang.htm

          This website offers practice on all different 4^th grade standards.  They are not exactly the Indiana standards, but they are still good practice.

http://www.shelbycs.org/coulston/

          This is our Coulston website.  Students can visit “Sites for Kids” to find tons of appropriate websites to keep their skills fresh.

http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/fourth_grade_internet_activities1.htm#Reading

          This site looked like it covered a lot of material!  Have your child work on language, reading, spelling, or math here.  Social studies and science are also covered on this site.