Mr. Langdon's Lowdown

Years ago I had a friend who talked me into running a half marathon in Bend.  We sat down at Costco, his favorite place to eat, and mapped out a training plan.  At first I was really good about running each and every day, but after a bit, I started to get lazy.  I didn’t hit all the training runs, and as the half marathon got close, I entered a state of denial.  I was sure I was going to be able to tough it out even with the lack of training.  When the race started, I thought I did really well.  I believe I kept up with everyone for 10-30 steps.  That is when my body started to revolt.  It was then I realized that the lack of training was a problem and even just running a little each day would have been better than nothing.

What does this have to do with school?

Next year your student will be entering a new grade here at Dundee.  Whatever grade that is, it will be more challenging and expectations will be higher than the year before.  My question for you is this:  What training is your child completing this summer to make sure their skills do not deteriorate?  I am not asking you to recreate the school day at home.  I just think kids need a little practice on school concepts each day.  Even 20 minutes a day of reading or practicing math facts will make a difference. 

Heather Brown, our second grade teacher this year, put together a list for her parents, and she graciously allowed me to share parts of it here.  These are all great activities that you could do with your student this summer.  In fact, several of these are ones I am working on with my soon-to-be-kindergartener McKenzie. 

Create a summer training plan for your student.  If you do, I think you will be amazed how much easier the start of the year is for your student.   Links for some great summer activities are below. 

                    Look forward to seeing you in the fall.
                    Mr. Langdon

Website Suggestions:
http://www.mobymax.com/signin (vocabulary, math, language)
https://www.ixl.com/math/
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivitySearch.aspx (math concepts)
http://www.mrsperkins.com/dolch.htm (sight word lists)
http://pbskids.org/games/reading/ (literacy games)
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/ (create your own math worksheet to print off)
App Suggestions:
Apps for math:
http://www.studentappsforeducation.com/2012/12/practicing-time.html
http://www.studentappsforeducation.com/2012/12/mulitple-money-skills.html
Splash Math
Math Fact Masters
A Math Regrouping App: Addition and Subtraction HD
Apps for literacy/writing:
K12 timed reading practice lite or full version cost 1.99
Quiktap Words (good for sight word practice!)
Word Spree
StoryBuilder

Other Suggestions:
• READ, READ, READ this summer!
• Check out the awesome summer reading program at Newberg Public Library! For more information please call the Children's Information Desk at 503-537-0304 or emailnplibrary@newbergoregon.gov
• Going on a trip this summer? Have your child keep a journal! Keep up their writing skills: handwriting, spelling practice and paragraph formatting. Attach memorabilia from the trip right into the journal. Have them draw pictures about their favorite moments. The options are endless...
• Take field trips: Explore the many parks, hikes and museums in our area. Many of them have summer activities for students!
• Cook together: have your child use their measurement skills, clock/timing skills etc. to help create a recipe with you
• Count Money, have them help you purchase small items. Practice Telling time on an analog clock.