Countdown to Summer!

   As I peer across my classroom, I see the glazed-over eyes of my 2nd grade students who are waiting for the lazy days of summer vacation! With less than a few weeks left of this school term, students are looking forward to sleeping in, swimming at the pool and hanging out with friends. Parents are organizing carpools for summer camp and planning family vacations. The last thing anyone wants to think about is doing academic work over the summer. 

   As much as they deserve and need a break (teachers too!), all kids should continue to build their intelligence during summer months.  Research suggests that children who read just six books on their reading level, will maintain or increase their level over the summer! Also, summer writing helps students continue to organize their thoughts on paper and increase written comprehension skills.

   Some activities that will keep your child engaged over the summer are:

• visit your local library, most have summer reading programs
• have your child keep a daily journal in a composition notebook and spend 15 minutes each day just free writing
• go on a nature walk and find a shady spot so that your child can draw and illustrate his/her surroundings
• cook a meal together, your child can write down the recipe and/or write a review of the meal
• document a family trip by letting your child take photographs; create a memory book by adding captions to the pictures
• let your child redesign the layout for his/her bedroom; then draw the blueprints and add notes about colors and items that will personalize the room
• read a book with your child and have book discussions while enjoying lunch or a snack; Harry Potter is still a summer favorite
• Download and print My Summer Reading & Writing Journal; it includes 16 writing prompts, reading response handouts to build comprehension and 2nd & 3rd grade book lists of great summer reads

 This journal has everything that a parent needs to help their child continue to improve writing skills and build reading comprehension.  Download a sample freebie here:

Whatever your child does over summer break... make sure he/she does it with happiness, kindness and a huge heart!