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Tips for Parents

Tips for Summer Learning Fun

Make the most of summer by having fun and learning too. Here are some simple, easy ideas that will reinforce what your children have been learning in school. There are also ways to learn different skills and try out new experiences.
Introduce your children to outdoor games such as Freeze Tag, hopscotch, Frisbee and Simon Says. These are simple and fun ways for children to interact. They can also teach cooperation, listening skills and counting.

In addition to wonderful books and resources, many libraries have summer programs geared to children of different ages. Ask the children's librarian for recommendations. You can visit your local library to see what is happening or visit their website.

Today's museums have a new look; they are working hard to make displays that are accessible to kids. They also have special summer events. There are a variety of museums across the province to visit. Learn more by visiting: Guide to Ontario Museums.

Family trips such as camping and visiting another city can be educational too. Visit local historical sites, take a nature walk or discover local events. Ask your children to look up travel information and research places of interest. A great place to start is www.ontariotravel.net.

If you're taking a car trip, play games like I Spy or finding license plates from out-of-province cars. This will keep everyone entertained and make learning fun.

Have your child keep a summer diary. They don't have to use it everyday, just when they think they have something important to write. It is a great way for children to record their experiences and remember the things they have done over the summer. For younger children, have them draw pictures of summer activities they are enjoying to create a picture diary.

Summer is a great time to take a stroll. A walk can provide a chance to explore your part of the world together. Find out what's happening in your neighbourhood.

If you're going to a local park for the splash pool or setting up a plastic pool in the yard, take along some measuring cups or other household items that can be used to measure weight or volume. In the sand box or on the beach, encourage children to write their names, do multiplication or draw pictures.

If you have a garden or belong to a community garden, get children involved in planting. If you have a balcony, fill a couple of pots with soil and plant flowers or vegetables. Or fill an inexpensive window box with herbs or flowers. For more ideas visit Gardening with Kids.

Creating clothing art can be fun for all ages. T-shirts and fabric paint and markers can be found at the dollar store and painting can be done with brushes, bits of sponge, rubber stamps, feathers, or marbles. Make your own shapes by cutting a potato in half and carving a design into it. Try writing numbers or words creatively, or create a design around a child's name.

Don't let your sidewalk be wasted. With a box of sidewalk chalk, you can create hours of fun. Draw pictures, write words, play Tic Tac Toe. You can also use water to write words and learn science by watching them evaporate.

10 Tips for Helping Your Child with Homework

Homework is an important part of learning. When you support your children's homework routine, you can help them do better at school. Here are some simple tips to help get the most out of their homework.
. A routine is good. Homework can be habit forming and that's good news for you and your child. Work out a homework schedule and make sure children adhere to it. It won't be long before homework is complete without your getting involved.
. Give space for homework. Distractions and homework don't mix. So do your best to create a bright and quiet space where your child can concentrate on schoolwork. Make sure it's away from distractions like TV, music and loud siblings.
. Practice makes perfect. Repetition reinforces learning. That's why it's helpful to have kids practice reading, writing and math with you every day. Ten to 15 minutes a day can work wonders, whether reading a favourite book together, or helping measure ingredients in the kitchen.
. "How was your day?" Every school day is an adventure. Kids will do and learn so much they'll be bursting to tell someone all about it. So take a few moments every day to chat about the school day—and be a good listener.
. Check in occasionally. When kids do their homework all alone, their concentration can often wander. Check in once in a while and see how it's going. Ask if there are any questions. Sometimes kids just need to talk about a homework problem to figure out the answer.
. Turn everyday activities into homework. Teachers give homework and so can you. Include children in everyday tasks and assign activities such as searching newspapers, reading recipes, creating shopping lists, plotting out routes on a map, etc. Small activities can often teach big lessons.
. Make kids proud of their effort. Getting the answers right is important, but it's only part of what homework is all about. Doing a thorough and neat job is important, too. Make it a habit to sit down and go over completed homework. Look at it together for thoroughness and overall quality of work. Always look for something positive.
. Motivate with applause. "Hey, you did a great job". Words like these have an amazing effect on children. Encouragement gives them confidence and makes them feel good about doing their best. At the end of every homework session, try letting your son or daughter know that you appreciate and admire the effort.
. Encourage curiosity and questions. Learning really begins when kids start asking questions. Who, what, where, when and why are magical words of discovery that make learning more interesting and fun. Give your children the confidence to ask for help if the homework is difficult or confusing.
. Know what's going on at school. Unfortunately, kids don't always tell parents everything. Make a point of staying in touch with teachers, especially if you have a question or concern. Let teachers know they can always call you if there is a problem.

Helping Your Child Study

Establish a Routine. Setting a regular time and sticking to it helps children complete their homework assignments.
Set the Mood. Ensure the room your child studies in is quiet, has plenty of light, and has school supplies close at hand. Remove distractions by turning off the television and discouraging social phone calls during homework time.
Show an Interest. Ask your child about school activities and talk about what was discussed in school that day. Take your child to the library to check out materials for homework, and make time to read with your child as often as you can.

Monitoring Homework Assignments

Be Informed. Find out about the school's policy on homework at the beginning of the school year. Ask your child's teachers about the kind of assignments that will be given and what kind of time frame the children have to complete them.
Be Involved. Ask the teacher how you can help with homework. Be available to answer your child's questions, look over completed assignments, and encourage your child to share returned assignments so you can read the teacher's comments.

Providing Guidance to Homework Assignments

Learn How Your Child Learns. Understand your child's learning style and develop routines that best support how he or she learns best.
Encourage Good Study Habits. Help your child get organized. Ensure your child has scheduled enough time to complete assignments.
Talk. Discuss homework with your child. Talking about an assignment can help your child think it through and break it down into small, workable parts.
Provide Encouragement. Find ways to support your child's efforts in completing assignments.

Reading with Your Child

Make Reading a Priority. Let your child know how important it is to read regularly. Establish a regular time and place for reading.
Read to Your Child. Make time to read to your child on a regular basis. It is a great way to help develop a love of learning.
Ask Your Child to Read to You. Have your child read aloud to you.
Keep Reading Material Close By. Make sure children's books and magazines are easily accessible. Keep a basket of books in the family room, kitchen, or your child's bedroom to encourage him or her to read more often.
Visit the Library. Make visits to the library a regular activity and let your children select their own books.
Be a Reading Role Model. Read a lot. Let your child see you read and hear you talk about your books.