Dear Lower School Parents,
Summer is certainly a time to relax and have fun, and research also shows that a little bit of summer study can pay big dividends and stop the “summer slide.” Students worked hard this past year and grew so much, and we don’t want to lose ground! In an effort to keep those skills sharp, we are offering some suggestions for ways you can help your child this summer in both math and reading.
We hope you find this list helpful, and please reach out if you have any questions. Have a wonderful and restful summer. We look forward to welcoming you back in August and to a successful and fun 2021-2022 school year at Minnehaha Academy!
Sincerely,
Sue Borchard, Math Specialist
Caitlin Schlacter, Reading Specialist
Julie Winn, Director of Teaching and Learning
READING
As simple as it sounds, the best way to support your students in reading is to set aside time every day for them to get into a book. Read together, alone, listen to great books on tape, have them read to pets, listen to them read, talk about the big ideas and cool characters! Visit libraries often and help them select books they will love. Build in time each day; we encourage you to even set a timer. You will be amazed at what good it will do!
MATH
Singapore Math Practice: If you are interested in math skill practice that aligns with our curriculum, we recommend the Primary Mathematics Extra Practice Common Core Editions found on the Singapore Math website. These workbooks are available for grades 1-5, and we recommend selecting the grade your child just completed and not working ahead. You can find these workbooks here.
We also recommend these downloadable 8 session (1 per week) workbooks from mathodology.com as well as Math Prodigy. Click here to see a set of links and select your grade level.
Math Fact Fluency Practice: Math fact fluency is a key component of overall math competency. Short, frequent fact practice will result in improved confidence and achievement. We recommend 10 minutes daily. We highly recommend that students do daily paper/pencil practice, but here are some great online resources that we recommend as well:
- Kindergarten - 1st Grade: 10 Frame Fill (free Apple app) 10 Frame Fill provides children practice with recognizing additive 10 families.
- 2nd - 3rd Grade: Math Playground (web) is full of fantastic math fact games.
- 3rd Grade: Math REFLEX (app and web) Every student was introduced to Reflex this year during school and already have login information and accounts. It is recommended student practice at least 3 times per week until they reach the green light. As they master levels, they earn coins and rewards to spend within the game.
- 4th - 5th Grade: Xtra Math Available as a mobile app and can be accessed through any mobile device. Students can login using their information from this year or can create a new account on this free app.
Bar Modeling: If you’re interested in learning more about this process and working together with your child to solve some problems, the Thinking Blocks app (Grades 1-5) is a great resource for you!
Problem Solving: These Greg Tang games represent a revolutionary new approach to teaching math that combines common sense, creativity, and clever thinking. They incorporate proven math strategies that are the foundation for great computational skills, challenging activities that appeal to kids and adults as well. Learn to play, then play to learn!