I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have visited my site.  It is very hard to believe that this school year is over.  I wish for each of you a wonderful summer.  I hope your child will try to read the small books we have sent home during the year.  This one activity will help them keep connected to all the letter sounds and their phonics rules they have learned this year.  I suggest taking your child to the Bristol Public Library and obtaining a library card for your child.  The library holds a children’s story hour weekly.  I hope you will consider taking your child to this wonderful facility. Reading to your child and letting him/her read to you is of the utmost importance.  Remember to ask your chid questions about the story to develop comprehension skills.  I also encourage you to add and subtract with your child using some type of manipulative (beans or pennies),  Writing the letters of the alphabet and numbers would also be something helpful. 

 Allowing your child to read to you and add or subtract will help your child start first grade on a good step.  Giving your child enrichment activities this summer will keep them from watching too much television or playing too many video games.  Keeping them active, not passive will help their overall good health.  

The Hands on Museum in Johnson City is a neat trip to make with your child.  Taking your child to the park and exploring nature is another fun activity.  Steele’s Creek Nature Center is a wonderful place for your child to learn about woodland animals. 

First Grade will be so different from kindergarten.  Children will work more and play less.  They will write daily so fine motor control is very essential.  Have your child play with play dough or clay to help develop those muscles needed to write for long periods of time.  Have fun this summer with your child. 

Remember your child is only young once, so enjoy them while you can.  They grow up to be teenagers!

Have a fun summer.

Mrs. Hustad