Lifestyle Literacy Learning

Helping your child learn to read and write doesn't have to take a lot of extra time or money. Here are some easy ways to build skills, at home, in the sun, or on the run.

At home

• Let your child see you reading and writing as you go through your day. Talk about what you read and write so your child can hear. Say: "I have to use a capital letter at the beginning of this sentence." "I'm not sure how to spell this word. I'll say it slowly and listen for the sounds I hear." "I'm asking Dad a question in this note, so I'd better use a question mark."

• Place alphabet magnets on your refrigerator or on another smooth, safe metal surface. When you are working in the kitchen, ask your child to name the letters she plays with and the sounds they make. Can she spell some words?

• Buy alphabet soups, cereals and cookies and practice finding "letters of the day" with your child as you snack. Leave plenty of time--this will not help you rush through lunch!

• Ask your child to tell you a new or interesting word s/he learned today. Does s/he know what it means? Write the word in a writer's journal or notebook. Have the child draw a picture to go with the word, or use it in a sentence.

Taken from the Michigan Deptartment of Education

Dear Parent,

Here are some fun things you can do to help your child practice the math he or she is learning in school.

· Walk with your child both inside and outside the house to identify circles and rectangles.

· Ask your child to practice counting with you.

· Ask your child to place a small toy over, under, on top of, behind, in back of, in front of, and beside either you or another toy.

For more fun activities please visit the Saxon website at www.SaxonMath.com/MathKActivities.

Maureen Winstead