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Fun Ways to Help Kids Succeed in the Classroom
Special to The Truth
Keeping up in the
classroom can be a challenge for students of all ages and
family backgrounds. But parents can help, say experts.
“You may feel there isn't
enough time to add more activities to an already packed
schedule. But, there are many easy ways you can foster
literacy skills at home,” says Jon Reigelman, creative
director of the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL).
Reigelman suggests seeking
out free resources, such as Camp Wonderopolis, a virtual
camp and online learning tool available to all families,
libraries, schools, and community organizations. It can be a
great weekend or after-school activity for busy families
that can be completed at any pace. The site features “Maker”
projects that can be created with items found around the
house, and virtual, collectible Wonder Cards that can be
earned by interacting with the site.
Getting kids into an
out-of-classroom learning habit now will set them up for
future success. (Looking ahead to next summer, the program
is also a great tool for combatting the learning loss common
during vacations!) To register, visit camp.wonderopolis.org.
For younger kids, NCFL
offers these great tips for families.
• Choose a letter of the
day. Look for the chosen letter in any printed materials you
see -- the newspaper, street signs, billboards, or
advertisements. Make up a silly sentence using only words
beginning with the letter of the day. (For example: Cats can
cuddle. Dogs don’t drive. Amy always acts awake.)
• Singing songs can be a
literacy activity. Try this twist: Sing short songs like
“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” several times, leaving off the
last word each time until there are no words left. This
activity always produces giggles from children and parents
alike.
• Play “Guess Who.”
Describe a cartoon character, celebrity or historical
figure. Allow a guess after each detail is disclosed. Expand
your child’s vocabulary by using unusual words, and then
explain their meanings. Take turns. Listen carefully to your
child’s descriptions, especially his or her choice of
vocabulary. Encourage your child to paint a picture of the
character with his or her words. At the end of the game,
compliment your child on any unusual or new words used.
• Talk to your child about
his or her day. Pretend to be a television reporter. Try
questions like “what was the most surprising (curious,
funny, eventful) thing that happened today?” You are giving
your child opportunities to increase vocabulary, recall and
reflect, and you are receiving a more detailed version of
the time you spent apart. Be prepared to answer the same
questions. You and your child will begin looking for events
to report to each other.
Help kids keep their heads
above water on their lessons by boosting literacy skills at
home.
Courtesy StatePoint
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