Sunset Ridge Families,
I believe that education is most successful when parents and educators work in true partnership. As we're on the cusp of summer, here are a few ideas I'd encourage you to consider.
* The "summer slide" of academics seems to be a thing. If kids don't have routine practice with skills learned at school, they have a high risk of losing them.
* "Reading tests are really knowledge tests in disguise" says Daniel Willingham, a leading reading researcher. Meaning developing background knowledge is essential to learning how to read. So when you travel somewhere, try something new, or even watch and discuss something educational (my family is a big fan of Antiques Roadshow, Finding Your Roots, and Nature on PBS), there are plenty of opportunities for developing background knowledge.
* During the pandemic, I had a routine that worked well for my kiddo, and figured I'd share it. We would follow his interests (often canoeing), research the questions he asked ("What kind of animal is that?"), create a presentation / slideshow, and then have him read through it and record it to be submitted to his grandparents (no grades, just praise :-). Maybe you'll find that useful.
I hope your summers are fun and enriching for all!
Principal Brett Wilfrid