07/20/2024
Happy Summer to everyone! I just wanted to check in, as school has been out for seven weeks. Believe it or not, school starts, again, in three weeks!
My reminder is for your little one to continue reading, while still in summer mode. The schools should have a post showing a required summer reading list. Sometimes, Barnes and Noble will offer many of the books, out on the tables or of course, you can order books online. Please check for reading levels, before ordering.
Is reading one or two books, for a child, enough for the entire summer? No, but my thought it to do what you can. Have your kids read on their own and read with them. Turn off your tech and sit and read next to them. Hand your child a book, instead of your phone, when you are waiting for an appointment. I have students who have gone to sleep away camp. They might have some quiet time, to pen you a quick letter, but overall, they are having too much fun! One of my students is off exploring, in an RV. How exciting! Many families are traveling and making wonderful memories, for their children. Isn't that what is most important?!
I have so many creative thoughts, as to how to approach a new book, like starting by looking up the author and learning a bit about them and checking out their whole series, or printing out comprehension questions, from their website, but this isn't really the time.
Well, I'll throw one more out there. For your very young ones, with whom you share nightly reading, before bedtime, start a black and white notebook. After you finish reading, each story, help your child to copy the title and author of the book and have them draw a picture of the story. Kids love to draw with crayons and colored markers. You can even color with them.
A few years ago, I had a four year old, named Keira, who loved to draw. She was a pip and we had a blast. She would make up the funniest stories and draw them. Sometimes, we would pound on her drum and she would make up words to a silly song, then draw it. We laughed so hard! I loved drawing, with her and teaching her.
I've been blessed with so many wonderful students, young and older. They all leave their mark on me, in their own way. And, do not forget to have a fun supply of stickers to reward them. I still love collecting stickers, to use with my students. My friends know I'll even put a sticker on the back of a birthday card, in the mail. Why not, if it brings a smile?!
The kids get 10 weeks away from the grind of getting up each morning, sitting in one place for too many hours, listening, instead of talking, all day. Encourage new learning experiences, all summer. Step outside your usual daily routine. Find hands on ways of exploring new ideas. Get crafty. Go collect leaves and flowers. Yes, it's horrendously hot, but you can still find the right time of day to take a walk with your child, just the two of you. That can feel very special, if there are multiple kids, in the house. Have them help make dinner with you. I remember my mom standing me up on a chair and showing me how to mash the potatoes, in a big silver bowl. I rarely make mashed potatoes, but when I do, I think of my mom. I had the privilege of baking with some of my students, this year and it was fun to see the kids take responsibility for their own measurements.
Lastly, always remember to praise your kids, day and night. You want them to remember the positive words, not the times you scold them. Assign your kids simple chores, around the house, then tell them what a great job they did. It is our responsibility, as adults, in their lives, to help build up their self esteem and confidence, so they can go out into the world and feel good about themselves, on their own. You might not be ready to let go, yet, but it's going to happen and you'll know you did your very best!
Wishing you a stupendous summer, filled with surprises, glee and good health. Feel free to reach out, at any time.
My very best,
T.xox❤
https://TutoringByToni.com