I'm a mom, so I get the feeling of, "My kids get a well-deserved break from school, but I don't want them to have a total break from it. Then they might forget things and feel behind when they get to the next grade." Here's my advice (for myself, and for anyone interested): Look through your child's report card. If he/she got a 2 on something, put it on your "work on this" list.
Here's my plan:
* Play math games (Yahtzee, Uno, or use notecards to make matching games for any skill)
* Use IXL for the skills that aren't covered in games I can find
* When I read to my kids or they read to me, ask them about story elements (characters, setting, problem, solution, main idea)
*This is my all-time favorite idea that I got from my good friend Tenneil - get a special notebook and write back and forth with my kids. I write them a note, maybe including a question, put it in a special spot, and when my son wants to write me back, he does, and puts it in a special place. I think this will be such a beautiful way to practice writing, without feeling like he's working. Here's my big challenge: I can't let myself correct any capitalization, spelling, or punctuation. Otherwise he'll stop writing, right? I can wait and do that during the school year. This notebook will be our special writing that I hope will grow our relationship. And an added bonus - it will get him writing!
Those are my best ideas to trick my kids into doing work without realizing how much they're actually doing. I'm hoping they'll just think they're having quality time with mom!
Check out my "Student Links" page to find links to online student activities. Note: IXL will only work if you include "@olympia" at the end of their regular school login.