Homework for your child is to have you read to them each day. It is fine if
they want to read the same book over and over again! Repeated stories create
literacy for your child, and each time you read it you can focus on something
different in the story. Have your child pick out letters that are familiar.
Ask questions about the story: Who was in the story?
Where is the story taking place?
What will happen next?
How does this story make you feel? Why?
Other Fun Projects you can do at home:
1. Shaving cream on wax paper. This is a great way for children to practice
writing their letters, numbers and shapes. If the cream gets on clothing, it
disappears in minutes!
2. Sorting activities: sort socks/laundry by different categories like
dark/light, towels/socks/, big/little, solid/stripes....
3. Treasure Hunt: Send your child on a letter treasure hunt. Your child
can find objects around the house that begin with a certain sound. You can
also do this with old magazines. For example: Your child can cut out and
glue pictures that begin with a "T".
4. I SPY: This game is a big hit with the kids! You can do this at home or
in the car. Describe something in the environment (shapes/letters/ numbers)
and see if they can spot them.
5. Labeling your child's room: A great idea to promote print awareness is
to label objects in your child's room with index cards. Ex. bed, window,
closet.
6. Environmental Print: Help your child find print that is familiar to
them. Ex. McDonald's, Walmart, HEB, Barbie, different food products. You
can have them cut out the picture/words and send them to school.
7. Counting Foods: Have your child count different food items. Ex.
Cheerios, Goldfish, Fruit Loops. Have them figure out ways to share with you
as well (dividing into equal parts).
8. Reading Time: When reading with your child, have them point to where
your should start reading on each page and how to turn the pages.
9. Computer Time: There are some great educational websites for children.
See the Links page on my Website.
10. Playdough Time: Handling playdough is a great way to help your child
develop fine motor skills. Try having your child roll playdough into "snakes"
to make letters in their name. The following is a homemade recipe for
playdough:
2 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups of water
2 tsp. oil
1 package of Kool Aid (for coloring and scent)
Mix and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Cool and keep covered in
a container when not being used. I find this recipe lasts longer than store
bought playdough.