As I have shared previously on the blog, teaching with the brain in mind will expedite the learning process and guide student’s self-awareness.  I highly recommend incorporating this idea while your child is learning their math facts.  The left side of the brain is responsible for mathematical processing and short term memory while the right retains information through color and music.  Long term memories are stored in the right hemisphere.  The strategic use of high interest visuals incorporating a mathematical story is an effective and fun method for reaching student.  For example, while studying the addition fact 1+2, featuring a cartoon character and their two friends, students can see the fact beyond the numbers.  It’s important to remember to feature the fact directly on the colorful pictures to improve recall.

     Finally, I would highly recommend the use of motivating and interesting activities.  There are several websites that when used on a regular basis can improve student’s retention.  In addition, games are a wonderful method for improving student’s recall and fluency of math facts.  For further information, please visit my Pinterest page.  It is full of exciting games that your child will enjoy.  I also encourage parents and educators to be creative and imaginative when reinforcing the facts.  Students are keenly aware of our perception regarding facts.  If we choose to make the process fun, children are more likely to develop a favorable outlook regarding math fact fluency.

     The first principle I suggest is to get organized.  While there are numerous tools on the market to help your child in this endeavor, remember to keep it simple.  There are 2 tools that I believe are a necessity.  First, I believe that color coding is a simple yet effective way to stay organized.  For instance, purchasing folders that are various colors and then placing a single dot of the same color on any textbook will make the process of finding the materials students need in their desk or locker much easier.  Additionally, purchasing highlighters so they can highlight various essential terms, dates and historical figures in three separate colors will help them in recalling these details for classes and quizzes.  Recently, in session, I had a student color code each digit in a larger number a separate color.  Why?  This not only brought the student’s attention to the digits, but emphasized placed value and assisted the child in correctly computing the answer.  Brain research suggests the right and left hemispheres of our brain process information very different functions.  By integrating words such as dates, terms and even digits with color, we are directly involving both hemispheres and thus improving long term recall.  Care to find out more about right and left brain learning?  Check out my earlier post here!

     The second principle I suggest is to check in with your child.  Often parents will have a conversation about this key transition the night before the child goes back to school.  Why not have this conversation in the few weeks before school starts and continue to check in throughout the year?  Carve out time during the morning drive, afternoon pickup or at the dinner table to discuss your child’s feelings about their current level of performance in the classroom. Is it still a challenge to find time to connect?   A weekly journal between the two of you may prove to be the support your child needs.   Having your child select a journal that inspires them and using writing instruments such as gel pens, Smencils and mechanical pencils may provide the motivation your child needs to begin writing.  However, once they get started, the closer connection with you will provide all the motivation they need to continue writing. 

     The third principle is simply to have fun!  There are simple traditions that once begun can provide a lasting memory in your child’s mind.  I often reflect on the first day of school and recall my mother singing the song School Days every afternoon following my first day of school.  I also recall the feeling of back to school shopping that accompanied this transition.  I looked forward to the purchase of fancy pencils and new notebooks for weeks proceeding the first day.  A special meal or trip to the local park can be methods for commemorating this special day.  I have noticed several individuals celebrating these days through whimsical pictures and YouTube videos of their child. Looking for more ideas?  Check out my freebie featured below.  It’s sure to instill excitement into your back to school routine!  Select the method that fits your family, and remember to have fun!

          There are various types of learning style inventories available within a few clicks on the web.  Some of these inventories tap into parent insight through the use of checklists, box sorting and questionnaires.  Others are designed for students to complete.  They can include picture responses, checklists and free response.
 
          Another method is to simply observe.  What items does your child seem to enjoy most?  Is there a particular toy or book that they repeatedly read?  Green Eggs and Ham, Koala Lou, Legos?  The most likely reason they spend time interacting with this item is because they enjoy it.  There is some redeeming feature that keeps the child coming back.  The reason may take a little observation and careful deliberation.  However, it is there if one pauses long enough to consider it.
       
          In my experience, the most effective method for discovering a child’s learning style is simply to ask.  Within each of us, lies a deeper understanding of our preferences, thoughts and feelings than we may expose on the surface.  A simple conversation about what subjects your child enjoys, what tools they find meaningful and location preferences for learning will allow their learning style and preferences to be discovered.  It’s well worth the investment of time, your guidance will set the stage for later learning experiences.

Second, allow the child to select their preferred learning tools.

          Over the last few years, a number of publishing companies have created workbooks for children to complete over the summer.  While the activities included are often education and well meaning, the most effective tool to ensure your child enjoys summer learning experiences is to allow flexibility in selecting the topic and materials they will use for learning.  If your child really enjoys learning about the solar system, take time to visit other planets without even leaving the house through a virtual field trip.  There are numerous sites that offer virtual learning opportunities oftentimes at minimal to no charge.  They integrate multimedia experiences concerning the topic of choice.  Or better yet, visit a local museum to explore their interests further.  Regardless of the topic or modality, allow the child the choice in their learning; you will be amazed at the results!
        
Third, integrate writing whenever possible.

          One of the most overlooked subjects in the classroom is writing.  While this is a vital life skill, it is often overlooked due to the demands of other content areas.  Therefore, encourage your child to write whenever and wherever possible.  Please refer to my previous post on writing for some helpful techniques to keep in mind to encourage your child to write for years to come.
 
Above all else, have fun!  Learning can and will be fun if we simply allow the child’s natural curiosity to be the guide.  There are many opportunities to expand your child’s understanding this summer.  Take advantage of this time!
 
 
 
 
 
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    Each time I visit Old Roswell Mill, I am drawn to different animals and plants that surround me.  The same can be said for drafting a piece.  It is essential to keep in mind that first copies are meant for recording initial thoughts and feelings.  While I have worked with families that hope their child’s writing will mirror their final draft, this simply isn’t possible.  It has been my experience that the best ideas originate when students are given the freedom to record without having spelling and conventions hindering the process.  These two components are important, but there will be time to reflect on these at a later point. 

    During each visit, I have varied encounters.  I have found that time of day has an impact on the animals, people and overall tone of the park.  The same can be said for the editing process.  The timing of this process can not be forced.  I encourage allowing students adequate time to self-edit before revisiting their work together.  Colored pencils or pens can be used to make this process more exciting.  However, this is a vital step in guiding children’s awareness of their writing. 

    For some students, editing spelling can be overwhelming and frustrating.  Therefore, I initially encourage students to perform their best with this task.  I then provide a tool to further guide their understanding.  This tool is featured in the picture below.

    The child is given the opportunity to record their first attempt at spelling a given word.  A check is then placed above every letter that is correct.  A second and third attempt is then made by the student to correct spell a given word.  After the third attempt, the spelling of a word is then provided for a child.                               

    The shades of green and yellow leaves, crystal blue water and gray gravel brought such beauty to my walk.  Providing your child the opportunity to illustrate can bring joy in the process and illuminate their written work.  Illustrating fosters pride and a sense of accomplishment in children’s work.  Simply provide their preferred tools and I’m confident you will be delighted with the result!

    This process begins by simply allowing all ideas.  The brainstorming process can be a simple one if all of the ideas your child shares are encouraged without labeling ideas as “good” or “bad.”  In writing, there are no truly “good” or “bad” ideas, they are simply ideas.  During this initial stage, it’s important to allow the child to creatively brainstorm all the ideas possible.  You may find your child needs assistance with recording these ideas.  For others, they may be quite comfortable with recording, but need an organizational tool for doing so.

    I highly recommend Thinking Maps for collecting and recording ideas.  For further clarity, I have featured a Thinking Map called a bubble map on the topic of Spotted Salamander.  As is evident, the central topic is located in the center circle.  All supporting ideas are recording in the surrounding circles.  For further ideas regarding brainstorming tools, take a peek at this site.

    Throughout the brainstorming process, I encourage you to guide your child.  At times, your child may have a plethora of ideas for recording.  At other times, they may require questions to probe further into the topic.  While these questions vary depending on the topic, it is essential that answering the question extends beyond “yes” and “no.”  For instance, in the exploration of lizards, I might pose the question “how do lizards differ from other living things?”  I may also guide using the question “what aspect of the lizard do I find fascinating?” Guiding, simply put, allows the child to formulate their own ideas without having a required outcome.  This allows children to fully express themselves.

"Throughout the process, it is essential to take time to recognize your child for their effort, creativity and enthusiasm. "

     The final idea I wish to share is simply to enjoy.  Writing can be an exciting, invigorating, and fun process when the ideas are generated and flow naturally.  Throughout the process it is essential to take time to praise your child for their efforts, creativity and enthusiasm.  Enjoy all your child brainstorms as a representation of them.    Please take a moment to share your thoughts and questions by commenting on this post.  I would love to hear what you have to share!

    I also encourage you to establish shared experiences with your child.  During one summertime lesson, I created ice cream with a student. This experience later motivated the child to write about the steps in the process.  She also wrote a beautiful story about
a town made solely of ice cream. It was a true delight!  A favorite trip or vacation spot can also lead itself to wonderful stories.  Often, I will use treasured storybooks to provide a catalyst for writing. Providing students the opportunity to rewrite the end of a familiar story, create an original version,  or change the setting excites students and inspires writing.  

    I firmly believe, tapping into children’s interests brings learning alive for students.  One of my favorite writing activities to provide students with an interest in the arts is “Scribble Writing.”  As the name implies, students are given the opportunity to construct a large scribble on a blank paper.  Using their creative talents, they form a unique picture depicting an object based on the scribble.  The picture is then used as a catalyst for writing. Many of the students I guide enjoy Legos.  I recently came upon art and writing projects incorporating these toys at Homegrown Learners. 
   

     Guiding children in becoming inspired writers can be facilitated by sensory rich experiences.  Allowing the child to fully experience the enjoyment of the trip,
activity, and craft facilitates the natural flow of future writing ideas.  Guiding child to enjoy rather than mandate a piece based on a specific writing topic lays the foundation for
students to become lifelong writers.  What activities do you enjoy establishing to facilitate writing inspiration for your child?

    I also ensure that colorful, developmentally appropriate writing paper is available.  I have noticed colored paper excites and motivates students.  However, the hue of the paper can influence the writers’ mood.  Research suggests that colors including light blue and green create a mood of calm and centeredness.  While red and orange create moods of vibrancy and excitement.   Check out the University of Georgia article on the impact of sensory details on student learning.   http://sdpl.coe.uga.edu/researchabstracts/visual.html

    It has been my experience that including in this space a personal word wall is beneficial.  This word wall can be centered on a specific topic including “Water Words.”  It may include words that the student has struggled to record previously.  Grade level sight words may also be featured.  Displaying this word wall in a prominent location is essential to facilitate its use.  I encourage the creation of the word wall to be a process shared between you and the writer.  When children are actively involved in the process of creation, they are more likely to use this tool.

    Including within this space the opportunity to fidget is also important.  Many students require movement while brainstorming and explaining their writing ideas.  Squish balls, balance ball chairs, and visuals can be used to provide opportunity for movement and tranquility within the space. 

    A carefully planned and well-organized space is ideal for guiding children into becoming inspired writers.  When the writing process is looked upon with excitement and passion, students are more likely to write with eagerness.  The space provided for children lays the foundation for future writing experiences.

                    Declarative Memory                            
                                Information stored for speaking and writing relies on the declarative memory system.  For those with a strong declarative memory system, I recommend using Twitter to provide an authentic outlet for communication.  This site provides learners with information relating to world events, current trends, and celebrations.  It will help to strengthen the student’s sense of self as they communicate and receive feedback on their ideas.  I would love to connect with students and their families at twitter.com/tutorwise.    

    With these ideas in mind, I would enjoy learning more about your opinion.  What memory system is predominate for you and/or your child?  What tools and strategies have you found to enhance the learning process?  I look forward to hearing your insights!