No More Teachers, No More Books

In only a short time, school will be out. For students, teachers and parents alike the last weeks of school can be both exciting and challenging. Students are looking forward to the summer break and, as a result, their interest in schoolwork may begin to wane. Teachers have almost completed a year of lessons and have a classroom of students more interested in summer than science. For parents, the end of one school year signals the impending start of another school year. So, how do they ensure your child is ready to tackle the next grade?

The end of the school year is really a time to prepare for transition -- the transition from one grade to another, but also the transition from in-classroom learning to the ongoing learning process that takes place outside of school. At this time of year, educators advise parents to focus on three areas -- helping their child make the most of the final weeks of school, knowing what the next grade level will bring and looking for ways to continue the joy of learning during the summer break.

Make the most of the final weeks of school. Many teachers spend the last weeks recapping the year's work. You can help your children review by asking them to show you what they have learned, or working through homework problems together. Schedule the last meeting or discussion with the teacher. Talk about the year as a whole and identify successes, but also challenges your child may face when he or she returns in the fall. Help your children stay motivated about school so they gain the full benefit of their final days in the classroom. Have daily conversations about school.

Know what the next grade level will bring. You can speak to your children's current teachers or teachers in their next grade about the upcoming curriculum. Ask not only about subjects, but changes in focus. For example, in 4th grade, students usually begin to "read to learn" rather than "learn to read." If your 3rd grade student is struggling with her reading, this summer would be a good time to focus on improving reading skills. If the next year will mean a change in schools -- such as entering high school -- take advantage of orientation sessions where you and your child can learn more about the new school.

Let your kids be kids. Summer vacation is a great tradition. It is important to enjoy the time off. But, you can also learn as you have fun. In fact, the best learning occurs when children don't realize they're learning. Parents can plan summer vacation activities that are both fun and educational. For example:

* If you know your child will be studying history next year, visit local historical sites or borrow historical books and novels from the library.
* Continue reading throughout the summer. Visit the local library where they can help you select books appropriate for your child's age and interest, or go to www.BookAdventure.com. Book Adventure is a free, Sylvan-created, interactive, reading motivation program online. Students choose their own books from more than 7,500 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teachers and parents resources and tips to help children develop lifelong loves of reading.
* Plan family activities that are fun, interactive and educational. To help you get started, Sylvan Learning offers a free activity booklet, "Family Learning Fun." The booklet provides seven different ideas and activities that wil lhelp sustain and renew your children's interests in learning and discovery. It is available in the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com.
* Develop writing skills by writing or emailing pen pals.
* Demonstrate the value of continuous learning to your child by showing how you continually learn -- such as regular reading, developing new skills for a job or learning a new hobby or sport.
* There are also a variety of enrichment programs available for children. Sylvan Learning offers engaging programs that keep the interest and fun in learning alive through the summer and into the school year. Visit www.SylvanLearning.com for more information.