HELPFUL LINKS:

Volusia County School System Official Website

FCAT practice

Volusia County Hispanic Organization

Fun Brain - Academic Practice

Yahooligans - Academic Practice

Candy Stand - Math Practice

Disney - Educational Games

SOCIAL SKILLS

-Be a good role model to your child. Everyday experiences in relationships with his/her parents are key to your child developing fundamental social skills.

-Role playing is a great tool for parents. Play the part of the teacher, friend, bully, or classmate, and reinact difficult situations while talking about the right choices.

-Play with your child. Just have fun! Children whose parents frequently play with them have more advanced social skills and get along better with peers.

-Establish a rewards system to reinforce and recognize appropriate social behavior.

-Let your child participate in group activities away from school such as sports, art classes, or play dates.

HOMEWORK HELP

-Get organized. Good study habits begin at an early age. Teach your child to be organized by using a homework assignment notebook.

-Show an interest in your child’s assignments. Ask questions about the subject and offer to help him/her with it.

-Give your child the opportunity to choose his/her own books, and then read with him/her.

-Build on your child's interests. Choose books that you know he/she will enjoy.

-Read from a variety of children's books: songs, fairy tales, poems, and information books.

READING NOTES

-Read aloud to and with your child every day. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes. Try reading to them just before they go sleep.

-Model good reading habits. Let your kids see you reading for pleasure.

-Create spaces in your home for quiet reading away from TV and other distractions.

-Cook with your child to develop literacy. Read recipes together, learn the labels on ingredients, or write your own cookbook of family favorites!

-Visit the library often and encourage excitement about reading.

-Give your child the opportunity to choose their own books, and then read with him/her.

-Build on your child’s interests. Choose books that you know they will enjoy.

-Read from a variety of children’s books: song, fairy tales, poems, & information books.

-Praise your child’s efforts and new skills! Kind words or a reward for reaching goals are great ways to keep your child motivated.

MATH NOTES

-Use math puzzles and riddles to encourage children that are struggling.

-Use real life word problems to make math more meaningful.

-Use objects and household items to explain a problem.

-Flashcards are a great way to practice math facts. Mastery of a basic fact means that children can give an answer in less than three seconds.

-Make math part of your children’s daily life. You have to use it or lose it!