I’m sure kids look forward to the academic downtime with no teachers, homework or daily assignments over the holidays! While we want them to rest, relax and enjoy their family over the break, there's really no reason for them to quit challenging their minds. Some of the best ways to get children to read is to “sneak” it in, letting them practice without knowing it. Here are a few tips from an article on www.education.com for sneaking learning into holidays at
home:
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play or read with them!!
home:
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- Have your children read holiday cards when they are received
in the mail, and let them write a message in outgoing cards. - Let children read ingredients from holiday recipes while you
bake together. It's a great way for them to learn measurements and
temperatures. - Set aside time for kids to "show off" their new reading
skills to visiting relatives. Children love being the focus of attention,
and grandparents are usually more than willing to see their progress. - Make special holiday readings a tradition. Find a special book for Hanukkah or Christmas, and have each member of the family read from it at the same time each year.
- Even if no books make your child's wish list, make sure you give at least one as a gift, and encourage them to read it.
- Find books that focus on an interest your child has. For example if they ask for a bike, find a book on a famous cyclist, or a children's book that includes a bicycle adventure. There are books out there
to suit every interest under the sun – it just takes a little browsing.
play or read with them!!