To create a learning environment that will help sharpen and extend your child's learning skills:

• Use rich language that encourages your child to think "what if", "why", and "how", rather than merely "who", "what" "when".

• Discuss your thought processes with your child...how you arrive at important decisions, how you set your goals, how you solve problems, how to learn from mistakes, etc.

• Create a home learning environment with books, magazines, newspapers, technology, thinking games, word games, puzzles, and all of the necessary school supplies for assignment completion.

• Explore references books with your child while taking trips to a local library or bookstore to foster a love of reading.

• Let your child teach you. Teachers say "I didn't really learn it until I had to teach it." Your child will enjoy and learn from teaching homework lessons to you and younger siblings.

• Encourage the core values of Houghton Elementary School at home: Honesty, Responsibility, Cooperation, Kindness, and Respect.

These are just a few components we are incorporating into our classroom environment. Any reinforcement of these at home creates a valuable Home-School Connection for your child!

Please see below for other helpful resources on educating your child together.