- On the calendar. Brainstorm categories of things to be grateful for, such as people and nature. On a calendar, list one category per day for a week. Then each day, have family members name something they’re grateful for in that category (a healthy grandparent, a beautiful fall day).
- Behind the gift. When your child receives a gift, ask him to think about what the giver put into it. For instance, if his aunt sends him a sweater that he doesn’t like, he might say it was nice that she took the time to find out what style is popular with kids his age.
Short Notes
Patience is a lifelong skill that will help your youngster in school—and in life. The key is knowing how to pass time pleasantly while waiting so he doesn’t feel anxious or frustrated. Together, come up with special “waiting activities” like saying the alphabet backward or counting down with the crosswalk sign.
A future job
Help your child make the connection between school and the career she could have someday. Point out workers using school subjects like a nurse
writing on a chart or a TV weather forecaster describing a cold front.
Also, friends and relatives might tell your child what they studied in school
and how it’s related to their jobs.
See that illustration?
Understanding the meaning of images in books, magazines, and newspapers
will boost your youngster’s reading comprehension. To build visual literacy,
ask your youngster to explain what’s happening in illustrations and graphics.
He might even enjoy making up his own captions.
© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated