Summer Time Reading and Writing

This summer it's so important to keep up the great writing and reading that we've been doing in SK.  If you start off fitting it into your summer routine, it won't be hard and your child will be ready for next school year. 

I thought I'd give you a few ideas to get your started.

 Writing:

• Writing in the summer journal is a must.  We expect your child to write at least 10 journal entries throughout the summer.  Currently, we are writing 3 sentences and are focusing on beginning a sentence with an upper case letter and using lower case letters correctly.  If you need a new journal this summer, please let me know and I'll make sure you get one.
• Send post cards from vacation!  This is a perfect way to say Hi and practice writing.
• Have your child write the grocery list for you.  This will also keep them entertained while shopping.
• Make a summer scrap book.  Print out pictures from your summer adventures and let your child write about them.  You could also add pictures to the summer journal too!

Reading:
I talked to the kids about being read to and reading to others.  Chose a favorite book from your childhood to read this summer.  Make sure they are also reading to you.

• The public library is a good place to get early readers.  Usually they have a great summer reading program that encourages reading and gives fun prizes.
• Use the new highligter that they brought home to find high frequency words, blends, and digraphs in old magazines and newspapers.
• For those that are really jumping into reading, help your child read menus and signs.  Words are everywhere!

Some favorite books for beginning readers:  As I tell the kids, reading should be fun and easy.  If they are struggling or frustrated, try something different or have your child just read the HFW and you can read the rest of the story.

• Dr. Seuss (the easy to read ones) 
• Bob Books are a good place to start and you can check them out of the library
• Eric Carle has many repetitive books that are great
• Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie books 
• Mercy Watson - this is a little more advanced, but great stories

On-Line resources

• Starfall is a great website with reading, word family, and silent E games.
• Reading Rockets is a great parent website that has good ideas, app lists, and information for supporting young readers.