Supporting Academics at Home

Photo: Rachel Ream

Families, you play a crucial role in your child’s education. Simple everyday activities can significantly improve student success in the classroom. Here are some effective ways you can support your student’s learning and progress:

Read Together – Read to your child in any language – even if your child is already an independent reader. Listening to stories builds vocabulary, sparks imagination, and fosters conversations that strengthen family connections.

Book Recommendations:

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park – my favorite of Park’s books, this follows a boy in ancient Korea who becomes an apprentice to a master celadon potter. Hard themes are told in a thoughtful way, and the story keeps children wanting more. It’s a page turner.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot – tales of resilience from a veterinarian in the 1930-40s in England. Read aloud and redact adult themes as necessary.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink – based on the author's grandmother's experiences, this book follows the life of a spirited girl in the early days of the American frontier. She encounters real people facing genuine challenges in ways that your own child(ren) might face the world. It encourages conversations about history and past norms in a meaningful context. 

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron – science fiction for anyone. A delightful romp of a story for anyone willing to engage their imagination.

Everyday Math – Help your child see how math is a part of daily life. For example:

• calculate routes or travel time

• compare prices at the store

• budget for groceries or a family outing

• measure ingredients while cooking – double or halve a recipe.

These real-world applications provide math context, making math more meaningful and useful to your students

Book Recommendation:

Bedtime Math by Laura Overdeck. There is also a Bedtime Math app

Play Games – Games promote cooperation, teach communication skills, and provide a low-stakes environment where confusion and loss are part of the experience. Overcoming frustration is a life skill, and learning that skill at home through games, with trusted family, builds resilience, confidence, and memories. Choose the games that work best for your family, including board games, card games, sports, and even tag.