End+of+the+Year+Checklist

__End of the Year Checklist__ 1. Use your child’s teacher as your #1 resource: a. Does my child need a summer tutor? b. Does the school offer summer school? c. Is the school library open? d. What areas should I work on with my child during the summer? e. How can I prepare my child for the coming year?

2. Establish a writing area for your child before summer begins what is different from the homework station. (It can be in the same area, but you’ll need different items in the location…stamps, stationary/postcards/a journal.) This is the time to use your writing skills...kids don't have a heavy load of academics in the summer...they don't have time to write to grandparents during the school year (or at least that's their excuse:)). 3. Bookstore Contests  a. Barnes and Noble has a Imagination's Destination - read EIGHT books this summer, complete the form available at the store and receive a FREE BOOK!  c. Scholastic.Com – is trying to break the world’s record of summer reading by kids…sign up on their website, enter your minutes and watch the total grow throughout the summer!  4. Scholastic.com also has live chats with famous authors throughout the summer…you can email questions to ask them and be a part of the chat.  5. READING ON THE ROAD – stock up on audio books to listen to in the car when you travel to a vacation spot – go to your local library to sign them out. 6. Subscribe to a kids magazine NOW. Don’t wait until summer begins…you’ll need to subscribe before summer, so it arrives for summer time reading. Ranger Rick, Highlights, American Girl etc. 7. Book stores have activity books that provide a bridge for your child between grades. 8. Establish a time for reading EVERY day. Parent can read at this time too. 9/ Go to your local library once a week. Visit the library prior to your first visit, or call, so you know what they offer throughout the summer months. 10. What organizations can I get my child involved with during the summer? Week long drama camp, thematic camps that spark your child’s interest. You’ve got to do your homework NOW, before it’s too late. 11. Use your dictionary – learn a new word each day of the week. Post them around your child’s room. 12. Journal Writing- do it as a family. Record your summer memories. I encourage my students to do this every summer.