Summer learning?

Summer vacation is quickly approaching and me with my first one in school has got me wondering. Will my kindergardener "forget" everything he is learning right now in the 10 weeks he has off? What should I be reviewing with him on a regular basis each week? Is simply having him read to me each day enough?  He's made such progress with his reading and math that I'd hate for him to loose momentum.

Yesterday our school actually sent out a link to a program they recommend called Summer Skills.  It looks like a great idea. Twenty minutes a day, 3 times a week. Seems like a doable option!  In my sons classroom during his Explore Time the teacher puts these worksheets out called Drop In the Bucket. She saw another teacher do and she liked them so she puts them out as an option for the kids to do, and my son LOVES them! They are put out by a company called Frog Publications. And I'm tempted to grab those as well, but I don't want to overload my poor son, it is after all summer vacation right. Then there's always the Kumon Books. My kids LOVE the mazes and the letter books. And now my son is working on the Ryming Words and the a Maze book.  These are great tools we use every week in our house and actually leave out on our arts and crafts table. My 4 year old loves that she has her own workbook just like her brother.  

There are so many options! It can make a parent of a new school aged child go crazy if we think about it too much. If you're interested in what your child should be doing don't hesitate to ask your teacher.
They will direct you to an option that's great for you.

Some of these books can get pricey, but if you keep looking you're sure to find something in your budget. I was at Barnes&Noble the other day. The one here in Vermont has a HUGE learning section! Between workbooks and games it's sure to keep us busy in our house all summer!

Teacher Appreciation Week 2011: 2nd – 6th May

If you appreciate the knowledge you have acquired over the years thanks to your teachers, Teacher Appreciation week which lasts from the 2nd till the 6th May 2011, is the week in which you can show your gratitude. Dedicated to the celebration of your favourite teachers worldwide, it is a week in which you can reward the teacher of your choice with a small gift. These come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the ideas of the students who offer gifts to their teachers. Teacher appreciation week is the perfect time in the year to take a moment to show your appreciation to teachers for all the effort they put in each day to teach and for the education that we receive thanks to them.  Teacher appreciation week 2011 will include lots of fun events and activities and it is a great opportunity to increase interaction between teachers and students. Most schools have their own way of celebrating it, so find out more by asking your professors or local PTA or PTO! I know in our school the parents are organizing a lunch for the teachers and we're each bringing in a home made soup or salad for them to enjoy.  In years past we've brought each teacher a small annual for their garden.  It's up to you, but any acknowledgment is good. And don't forget the music, art and PE teachers. They all have a part in our childs life.

You can read more on Teacher Appreciation Week here.