Interested in Helping Your Child at Home?

 

Here are some suggestions for activities to develop your child’s skills in several areas. Some activities are more difficult than others, so be sure to choose those that are at your child’s level. Choosing activities that are too difficult may frustrate your child. Once you get started, you may come up with more ideas. Enjoy the quality time with your child. Learning is fun!

 

1)      Review your child’s papers with him/her each day.

2)      Read and discuss books of interest with your child.

3)      Read and recite nursery rhymes. Studies have linked the ability to rhyme with future success in reading.

4)      Say three words that begin with the same sound and have your child write the letter they begin with. Writing letters in shaving cream or pudding is highly motivating!

5)      Play games like Hi-Ho Cherry-O, Memory, or Candy Land. Games teach your child counting skills, following directions, taking turns, etc.

6)      Practice writing numerals in shaving cream or pudding.

7)      While sitting at a stoplight, rote count to 100 to see how far you can get before the light turns green! Count the cars you see, or the number of trucks, dogs, etc. Play “I Spy.” Example: Say, “I spy something you are wearing that starts with ‘mmmm’. That’s right, mitten starts with ‘mmmm’. What letter makes that sound?”

8)      Listen to you child read his/her booklets about colors, shapes, and the phonics library books that are sent home weekly.

9)      Visit the local libraries with your child.

10) Enjoy magazines written for children such as Your Big Backyard and Ranger Rick with your child.

11) Bake with your child and talk about following the steps in a recipe. Let your child assist in measuring the ingredients and mixing.

12) Visit the Eau Claire Children’s Museum.

13) Attend a play or musical event together. Discuss appropriate behavior.