Preparing for Back to School

August 13, 2012

Whether we like it or not, summer is winding down. Summer Reading Programs are ending, and teachers are beginning to prepare for school. Research shows that students can lose up to three months of skills already mastered during their summer break. Summer losses not only affect a child’s immediate abilities, but they also affect how much he/she will learn during the next school year! Students build momentum when they practice skills on a daily basis, and that momentum is easily disrupted when there is no learning routine in place during the summer.

Don’t panic! It’s not too late to prepare your student for school! Just use the time left wisely.

• Establish routines now instead of waiting until school starts. Even though the sun is still up, start establishing bedtime rituals that will help your child settle down and get their much needed rest.
• Schedule some early morning activities and practice getting everyone dressed and out of the house on time!
• Consider everything you do with your child as a "teachable moment." Be creative! Something as simple as a trip to the grocery store can be used to enhance learning.
• Don’t forget math! Let them keep a running tab on your grocery list as you shop. Encourage your student to keep track of batting averages or sports scores, or ask them to keep track of your car mileage from trips and compute gas mileage between fill-ups.
• Refresh their writing skills by getting a head start on "What I Did This Summer," or by writing letters. This might be a good time to let them brush up on their keyboarding skills as well.

MCPL has materials to help your student pick up the slack after summer idleness. Drop by your favorite branch and check out some books to help your student get back on the reading track. We have books for all the current interests, as well as classic favorites. In addition, our Research Databases are conveniently accessible from your home computer, and they offer information in a fun format that will encourage your student to brush up his/her skills. Finally, looking ahead to homework – don’t forget our Live Homework Help form Tutor.com database that can assist your child with homework assignments. It’s just like having a librarian in the family!

Jan C.
North Independence Branch