How To Help Your Child Select a Book:

 YOU are the key in helping your child select summer reading books which will be of high interest and will also be at your child’s independent reading level. The independent reading level is the level at which your child can comfortably read and understand material without adult supervision. Please use the following guidelines in helping your child select appropriate reading material.

Find books about your favorite topic or hobby.

Find books about your favorite topic or hobby.

• Look for books by a favorite author or illustrator.
• Browse through the book to see if the illustrations are interesting.
• Read the book summary on the back cover or book jacket.
• Choose a book that is at your independent reading level or a “right fit book.”
• Use the “Five Finger Rule.” Choose a book that you think you would like to read. Open it to any page and begin reading. As you come to words you can pronounce or don’t understand, put up a finger. If you put up five fingers put the book back. It’s too hard for you and not a “right fit book.”

Math For Summer:

Here are some great websites to support math skills:

• AAAmath.com Customized by grade level and topic, AAA Math features explanations of various mathematical topics, practice problems and fun challenging games.
• funbrain.com/numbers.html This site offers 17 original games based on soccer, car racing and more.
• mathcats.com Math Cats provides playful explanations of important math concepts through games, crafts and interactive projects.
• coolmath.com This fully interactive site allows the user to sharpen their basic math skills, play games and explore new math concepts
• http://www.technologyrocksseriously.com Great website for math and reading games available online and good app recommendations, also.
• http://www.turtlediary.com Math skill building games
• Check out Pinterest for apps or websites, as well.

Fine Motor Skills for Summer:

First graders should all be able to tie their shoes. Here are fun ways to strengthen fine motor skills.

• String beads to make jewelry.
• Dot to dot books.
• Play with modeling clay (plasticine) instead of Play-dough.
• Get hand held hole puncher and punch holes.
• Put old-fashioned spring-loaded clothespins on the edge of a clipboard or plastic container without a lid.
• Play with Silly Putty.
• Play with pipe cleaners.
• Count coins and spin coins.
• Look on Pinterest and YouTube for ideas on how to teach your child how to tie their shoes.

Most of all…relax, have fun and enjoy your summer vacation!