ABC Life Literacy Canada

(Toronto, ON - June 7, 2011) - Another school year is coming to a close. Parents and children both have ideas in mind for how to spend the next few months. One thing to remember is learning doesn’t have to end with the final ring of the classroom bell!

Learning can, and should be, fun for everyone.  As parents, even 15 minutes a day practicing reading and writing together with your children can make a huge difference when it is time for them to head back to school.  Also, the more they see you engaged in learning activities, the more they will want to emulate you and follow your lead.

No matter the weather, here are a few ideas for you and your children to learn and grow together over the summer:

Chalk
This activity is simple and affordable! Get a few pieces of chalk and turn your driveway or sidewalk into an art gallery.  Encourage your children to draw a scene from their favourite book (don’t forget to draw yours as well) or play together with such classic favourites as tic tac toe and hang man. It’s an amusing way to practice spelling and storytelling while enjoying the sunshine.

Journal
Keep the kids applying their writing skills with a journal. They can jot down anything from summer vacation with the family, going to camp, building sandcastles on the beach or just general activities. Have your child read their entries to you each week. With all this creativity flowing, by the end of the summer they will be ready to enroll in the Munsch at Home Contest. Parents feel free to help with any spelling and grammar issues your child may have.

Children could even turn this into an arts and crafts afternoon. Buy a journal and using some basic household items like egg cartons, glue, stickers, markers, ribbon, old bed sheets and wrapping paper, they can create a scrapbook of memories.

Scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is a perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. Hide items throughout the yard and have the kids try and find them. Once the game is over you can get them to say what the item is and spell it out. Aim to use objects they may not know right away. This allows them to learn a few new words each week.

Cooking
First choose a recipe kids will jump at the opportunity to help cook. For instance: making your own ice cream. You can make a list of ingredients you need and how you will make it. Get your child to write down the recipe and when its time to cook, have them read it out to you. This gives kids excellent practice for both reading and writing. They won’t see it as work since the end result is something they can’t wait to eat!

Colouring book
A perfect way to spend a rainy day, or getting away from the sun under a tree. Try and choose books that have the names of objects kids are colouring. This way, you can quiz them once they put the crayons down.

With these activities in mind, your kids will have fun spending time with you. Practicing these basic skills during the summer break will also ensure when they return to school, the transition won’t be overwhelming.  They’ll also have a great story to tell about how they spent their summer holidays.

For tips and activities and more information on the Munsch at Home Contest you can visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

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