How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

She'll be going to Kindergarten in the fall, but she had, no joke, probably the single best teacher on earth for her last year of preschool. By the time the spring rolled around, Alex was writing, reading, doing simple arithmatic, learning about the planets, decomposition, the life cycle, the presidents, you name it.

I don't want her to lose all that wonderful information she learned throughout the year, during the summer.

I did buy a bunch of emergent reader books for her, and every night at bedtime, I read her 3 of her favorite books, and she reads me one of her emergent reader books. And she is getting sooooooo good, barely stumbling on any words at this point!

But, what else can I do? I don't want to bore her, or pressure her, but I do want to incorporate these things into her everyday life, in a fun way, so she's not starting from zero again in the fall...

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

I babysat for 3 kids while in college. Their mother required 1 hour of learning per day for all of them.
Reading for 20 minutes (either on their own or with me, depending on their age) --- plus we discussed the books, the theme, etc ...
She also had computer programs for each kid --- math skills, vocabulary skills, etc. They were 'games' that were fun but it reinforced the skill.
She also had workbooks that they would do a page or two.

Each kid did it with me with no issues - it was just part of their daily routine. They new it was 'work' but it was a lot of fun.

We also played a lot of games ---- card games & board games that reinforced learning.


This was years ago, when technology was ancient -- now I am sure you can find a ton of great computer games to make it fun.

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

Kumon

I don't know if you have a place in your city, but they are an excellent resource.

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

That teacher sounds a lot like Katherine's pre-k teacher; we loved her so much and are so excited Abby will have her in September! You must have an odd cut-off date in PA--I believe Alex and Katherine are only around two weeks apart and yet Kate just FINISHED kindergarten! Anyhow...

I bought the Summer Bridge Activities workbooks for both my girls (Pre-K to K for Abby b/c that's the first year they have, and K to 1st for Kate (sounds like that would be Alex's level...)). We've been doing at least 4 pages a day in that. Afterwards, we read 6 or 8 books together and then Kate reads one or two to us.

We also drill states and their capitals with the girls. I hate to use the word "drill" because it sounds like a boring chore, but they love it. They know about 20 states, state nicknames and capitals--Kate used to be up to 40 or so, so you're right...regression happens quickly! In that vein, we have an interactive states puzzle that we play.

You know what's unexpectedly awesome? My mom bought Katherine a "diary" with questions and stuff in it for her K graduation and she LOVES it, takes it everywhere. I think it really helps with the writing skills.

Also, we always use vacations as a teaching tool. For example, one year we visited--and climbed--a lighthouse in NC and right afterwards, we bought a book about lighthouses. We're going to Lake George again this summer and plan to visit Fort William Henry while there.

We also have Presidential placemats and we discuss our "favorite" presidents and details about them. Maybe you recall Katherine at about two had a favorite Chief Justice.

Anyway, people reading this probably think we sound insane, but the girls enjoy it and we do too!

Message edited 6/23/2011 10:54:51 AM.

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

journals.

You can just take a notebook or even just fold and staple printer paper together.

one can bean alphabet journal - each page a different letter.

drawing is an extension of early writing, so that can be encouraged. She can dictate the story to you or she can write what she thinks are the words and then you write what she meant underneath.

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

Good luck to all the incoming K parents.

My DC will be going to K in fall and I remember for myself 1/2 day K with nap time, art, snack, etc. in Smithtown....so sad how much kids are expected to learn from K-12 (I am a HS teacher). The pressure is on....

Message edited 6/23/2011 11:20:43 PM.

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

Summer Bridge Books

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?

Re: How do I maintain Alex's reading/writing/math skills over the summer?