A Homework Learning Kit Student Breaks
School will be out for the winter break in February. Many teachers will tell you that students lose learning during these times. This is why parents and guardians must do everything possible to keep students involved in learning activities.
Many years ago, while teaching in the Buffalo Schools, I used to send home a homework package for each student to continue learning over the school breaks. Teachers will tell you that during the summer and winter breaks, students lose learning. I always sent home a package of reading, math and writing projects for the students to do during the time they were not in school.
I had one parent who was going to take a family trip to Disney World. She came to my classroom and asked me to prepare some work for her child so that she could do it when on the plane and in the hotel room when they had breaks. I thought that this was a good idea. I also sent homework for her to do. I used all completed work as extra credit for grades. I checked the returned work to make sure that it was done correctly. The parent came in and thanked me for the extra work.
This brings me to the idea that during all unpredictable weather patterns, parents should prepare a learning kit for their children. I also want to remind parents that they should replenish their child’s school supplies all year, not just when it is time to buy school supplies. Many students run out of basic supplies in the middle of the year and need extra paper, notebooks, and other things to use. Following are some suggestions to create a learning kit at home.
Create a small library with books to read on a variety of subjects.
Make sure you have a supply of paper and composition notebooks.
You can purchase activity books at many stores in science, math, social studies, and language arts.
Keep creative art supplies on hand. Students enjoy painting, drawing, and coloring.
Keep flash cards on hand. You can also have students make their own flashcards in math and other subjects.
I firmly believe in encouraging our students to write. They can use composition books to keep a daily journal. Encourage them to write poetry about the winter or their favorite holiday.
Encourage your child to create their own book on any subject that they like.
.Students can also research a famous person in Black History and write a report and create a poster about this individual.
It is important for students to continue their learning at home when they are not in school, so they don’t fall behind. Another way to keep them involved is to take them on field trips around the city and beyond. Our libraries have many activities. The Museum of Science is a great place for fun. Even the zoo can be a place for learning about different animals.
Encourage your child to keep a journal about their winter travels. This will serve to improve their writing skills. Black history month is a good time to do some research and write about the history of the month and how it was created or create posters about some of the events. Students can have fun and learn also!!