Explore a summer reading program at the library.

Use a children’s cookbook to read and follow directions to make favorite foods. Directions in cookbooks can be simplified by numbering them to assist with sequencing.

Encourage child to read the newspaper. Some newspapers have special pages for children.

Read to the child and talk about the book or stories.

If possible, have child read books that could be used for book reports next school year.

Improve vocabulary by learning three new words a week. Post the words on the refrigerator and talk about them each day.

Have the child write post cards to grandparents or friends. Make “child size” post cards using 4X6 cards. Divide one side in half using a dark line. Make lines on one side for the address and lines on the other side for the message. Have the child draw a picture on the reverse side or cut one from a magazine.

Older children could write in a journal each day. Encourage two or three sentences.

Write a letter to family or friends. Reluctant writers benefit from filling in the blanks or dictating the letter to an adult and then copying it.

Use computer games to learn math facts, improve reading and vocabulary.

Listen to math facts on tape or CDs (this can even be done in the car).

Match or sort coins depending on child’s age or add random sets of coins

Encourage reading of any type. Reluctant readers might enjoy books on tape to listen to as they read.

Many parents obtain the required reading list for the next grade’s English class and have the student read at least some of the books in the summer.

Encourage vocabulary improvement through use of “Word a Day Calendars”,

Readers Digest Vocabulary pages, or a vocabulary journal and dictionary. If using the vocabulary journal, the student records any word from reading that he does not know and looks it up in the dictionary and writes down the definition.

Read about places that the student will visit on vacation. Have the student write about them in a letter or journal

Figure mileage to various locations using a map scale.

Use computer programs or ACT or SAT preparation books to prepare for ACT or SAT testing.