| ColoradoSprings.com / Education |
 |
 |
 |
My child is going to middle school this coming year. What skills can we work on over the summer to help make the transition from elementary school more successful?
|
Every middle school student needs to be organized. A major concern with middle
school-age students is being able to get homework home then returned to the teacher on
time. Most middle schools use written agendas to communicate with parents about
homework and to help the child remember what was not completed during the day.
Practice these skills with your child over the summer. Tell your child to complete his or
her daily chores and a few additional tasks in a given amount of time. Then have your
child write these tasks down and when they need to be completed (practices writing in
their agendas). When the child completes the tasks, he or she needs to show you the assigned tasks have been
done (practices getting the agenda to parents to view and sign). Doing this during the summer makes it a habit
your child won’t have to practice for the first time when the school year begins.
To get yourself in the habit of signing your student’s agenda daily, sign the task list and return it to the
child. Have the child keep a folder of completed tasks opposite the list of new tasks and those that still need to
be completed.
Another necessary skill is the ability to recall multiplication facts. The middle school curriculum focuses
heavily on fractions, decimals and percentages. Using factors and multiples with fractions is critical before a
child can convert from fractions to decimals to percentages. The best way to reinforce this skill is for the child
to practice writing the facts he or she doesn’t know well.
And, finally, reading, reading and reading!
(Angelo Sanchez, Mann Middle School)
|
|
Why is it important for elementary students to learn how to use a computer?
|
Children learn by discovering how things work, and operating a computer can satisfy
the natural curiosity of a child. Each time children use a computer, they usually learn a
new way to get the program to work, fulfilling the desire to win, be successful or become
more creative. This process builds confidence.
Youngsters also learn by playing games. Computers provide activities that capture the
thrill of chance while drilling facts — and the computer gives immediate feedback
regarding accuracy. A musical tone lets you know you are a winner.
When an elementary student can present a vocabulary list on PowerPoint and have pictures of the words
bounce, crawl and twirl on the screen, the meaning of words is impressive and easier to remember.
One goal of the standards-based classroom is for students at all levels of learning to acquire the skills to
communicate effectively. With guidance and opportunities for using the computer as a tool of self-expression,
students can demonstrate their ideas for others.
Parents and teachers can search for Web sites that are educational, entertaining and appropriate.
Possibilities are as plentiful as children’s questions. Visiting national museums, browsing through art galleries or
viewing a Native American powwow create lasting images that can be referred to in other learning situations.
Advanced learning comes from the practice of comparing similarities and differences of ideas, cultures and
events. The Internet offers all these opportunities.
Families can explore interesting sites while keeping the Internet safe for children. Two Web sites that are
helpful in protecting children in cyberspace are http://kids.getnetwise.org/ and www.childrenspartnership.org.
(Agnes Reininger, Carver Elementary School)
|
|
|
View Past Questions and Answers Here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
