Home-Based Summer School - Page 2
© Dorothy Kropf
Math Review for Pre-teens and Teens
I also have a 12-year-old son who will be in 8th grade this fall. It is important for us to review math lessons together because the required learning pace in higher grades (6-12) is faster than it is in lower grades (K-5). Mastering Algebra skills and other higher-level math classes is always to a student's advantage. After all, teachers in higher grades have a wider range of topics to cover before state tests and assessments begin in spring next year. If a middle school or highs school student finds himself struggling in the early topics of his school year, catching up to his grade level is even more difficult. Having summer reviews not only saves them from struggling, it also gives them a little advancement over the standard level they should be in. This will boost their self-confidence in these confusing, pubescent years. Since pre-teens and teens worry about many things such as clothes and pimples and the popularity gauge in school, worrying about "getting it" when it comes to learning should be resolved as early as possible.
Reading with Pre-teens and Teens
My 12 year old also enjoys reading with me. He and I have reading sessions together. This summer, we are reading Shakespeare's "Hamlet". We particularly enjoy reading the lines of different characters in different tones and demeanor. I discovered that maybe my son could have some type of "theatrical" talent that I have not realized before. Parents of middle school or highs school students should try this activity because it is fun, it's a great way to spend time together, and maybe, just maybe you will discover your child's hidden talent in the theatre.
Rewards, Rewards, Rewards
Just as a teacher would reward her students with blue ribbons, fancy erasers, stickers and certificates, parents should also reward their children in similar ways when hard work and exceptional patience with pride in one's work is shown. It is amazing that a simple certificate that says "Great Handwriting!" can put a smile on any child's face. Even simply placing a sticker on the page of a book in which the child read exceptionally well motivates him even more to read each page of the book with tremendous enthusiasm. It doesn't take much for a child to feel that his work has great worth.
It's Not Too Late
It's not too late to start your home-based summer school. Most of the supplies you'll need are already in your home. Some people prefer to go to a bookstore or a teachers' supplies store for supplemental teaching materials.
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