My kids have started playing "school," so it must be time to get ready for the real deal! I asked two teachers and a PTA president to share their advice for getting kids revved up and ready for the next school year.
Michelle Otterness, a PTA president in Albuquerque, has three daughters: Claire who will enter first-grade, Rachel who is going into fifth and Chelsea who will be starting middle school. During the summer, the girls keep their minds active by helping with gardening and the family business. The girls also spend an hour a day with flashcards, workbooks, library books and piano practice. "All the necessary brainwork can be accomplished quickly," says Michelle. "It's a small amount of time to prevent 'noodle brains' when school starts again."
Chelsea Otterness is worried because her friends will be going to different mid-schools this year. But she has found the bright side. "She'll have a locker at school for the first time," says her mom.
Focusing on the positives can ease the transitions of a new school year, say the Otternesses. Her girls have visited the schools, met teachers and are excited.
Donna Chavez of Edgewood has taught preschoolers for 15 years and has three children in school. Her family prepares for each new year by using treasure hunts, word games and riddles to reinforce reading and math skills. "We like to camp out and read books to each other by flashlight," says Donna.
Ed Gorman, a fourth-grade teacher from Santa Fe, has been preparing his three children to go to three different schools this year: Maya starts in elementary, Patrick heads off for middle school and Cara will be starting her sophomore year in high school.
Ed and his wife, Tammy, generate enthusiasm and excitement about the big changes by talking about the school year as a great adventure. They start a "Countdown to the Big Day" in early August. The children help buy school supplies. During shopping trips they talk about the coming year and, at the same time, practice their math.
"No Vegging" is the philosophy of this family. The Gormans believe some structure during the summer helps prepare kids for the structure of school. But this can be accomplished in non-traditional ways. "It's a good time to develop the other side of the brain by exploring creativity and outdoor activities," says Ed.
Twelve-year-old Patrick is going to golf camp, while his sisters will be dancing or attending karate classes.
And what do you learn from golf?
"You learn patience, dedication and some math. But most of all, golf helps you with anger management," Ed says.
