Can anyone recommend resources available online or at the library to keep my son on track this summer? Last year he had hard time, specifically in reading and spelling. I wasn't too impressed with his teacher, he had a bully, plus the school is going down hill in general. He can read pretty well, but pretends he can't and he gets really frustrated. Next year he is changing districts and the school will have a tougher curriculum. It also will have a fine arts program we are very excited for :) money is tight, so I can't afford to pay for a tutor and I don't want him to start off on the wrong foot.
Any resources you can share are much appreciated! Thanks
Spending time with him is best. Read EVERYTHING with him. Find his passion and find whatever you can to read to him. Kids LOVE to read when they have something they LOVE.
It is now your time to re-engage him. Have fun and explore your son's love of learning.
B.
Family Success Coach
Starfall.com is a good one. :)
HTH
starfall.com is great! If he gets frustrated reading, maybe check out something like interactive metronome. It can unlock everything he's learned, and maybe make the tougher curriculum easier. Take him to museums, etc. Like the Art museum is free this Saturday, and next Tuesday the Children's Museum will be free after 4, etc. You can google it to get a full list of freebies. Story times at places like the library or Tattered Cover are great, too. They do sign language classes and stuff, too. Anything to keep him thinking. Oh, the LIttleton Museum is always free. GL!
One on One time with him is the best with you and him. You may need to do some research to help, but the time will be precious and the lessons remembered.
You don't need a library or better yet a computer to teach and reinforce learning lessons. As a former teacher, I would suggest picking and sticking to a set time maybe 3 days a week for reinforcing learning.
Reading: have him fill out a sheet:
Characters, settings, plot, conflict, theme
this helps with comprehension. Give him a list of vocab words from the book to learn including spelling.
Also have him write all on paper 1st and then reinforce on the computer.
Also keep in mind that a Fine Arts Program is nice, but should not be the primary focus of his education-----reading, writing coherantly and arithmetic are the necessary skills to help get him thru life.
Read, Read, Read. Spend time in the library and bring home books and read with your son every day! Perhaps you can call the school he will be going to and get some reading recommendations for the summer.
