FORGE AHEAD
Work through frustration by reading chapters aloud in social studies
or science. Examine chapters, look at pictures, pay attention to
chapter titles, and point out charts and graphs.
COLOR IT BEAUTIFUL
Use highlighters and color-coding to reinforce the processing of
multiple step math problems or science formulas. Use highlighters to
emphasize and prioritize key words and concepts in science and
social studies text.
CLOZE TECHNIQUE
Use this technique for fill-in-the-blank exercises. Provide the child with
related vocabulary word bank. Let the child choose the correct
word for each bank.
FUN-tivities
Use games to build motivation for rote memorization such as bingo,
flashcards, matching, treasure hunts, and puzzles.
MODELING
Schedule a daily quiet timer when everyone is working on different
tasks. Model learning something new.
FAMILY MAP
Create a monthly calendar of family homework commitments. Keep
this calendar visible to help prioritize other commitments and to
capitalize on shared topics that siblings may be studying.
TEACH ME
The coach becomes the student. Provide the child with a red pen;
allow them to take you step by step through the process or concept.
Check for their understanding by asking questions. Allow yourself to
make mistakes. Allow them to grade you on your performance.
STUDY BUDDY
Your child invites another child to review together. The study buddy
group should not be larger than three students. These groups do
require some adult supervision. They work best with prepared review
questions or a study guide. The coach can use review questions to
determine concepts mastered.
IT’S A GAME
The coach can make it fun and build challenges by developing a
bar graph to chart homework. The variables charted can be
homework completed or work per specific subject.
GALLOPING GOURMET
Create note cards that follow a recipe format in order to remember
multiple step directions.
BREAK THE CODE
Survey chapter vocabulary with your child. Use the following
technique to increase comprehension. -The child places a (1) next to
words he knows; a (2) beside words he has seen before but does not
remember the meaning; and a (3) next to words he does not know.
Emphasize the words he knows and define the unfamiliar words.
TICKET TO PARADISE
Make a ticket booklet with personalized reinforcement activities.
These tickets can be tailored to your child’s hobbies and interests.
TRUMPETING
Give verbal encouragement frequently. Advertise your child’s
progress to individuals who are important to your child.
EXECUTIVE STYLE
Create a rolodex of new vocabulary words.
-This rolodex can be kept and updated throughout the middle
school years too.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Provide models, hands-on examples, drawings, and charts to assist in
learning. Supplies that can be used include box tops, string,
construction paper, etc. Remember if you can touch it and see it, it
may enhance conceptualization.
CARTOON STRIP
Use a comic strip format to review anything that builds to a final
event or product (history or science). Use this format to practice
detecting inference in reading material.
PROCTOR
You and your child design a test based on the previous test format.
Use this practice test to study either individually or with a Study
Buddy group.
SURF THE NET
Use the internet to help your child with homework questions, project
research or subject mastery through various learning activities.
REINFORCEMENT
Positive reinforcement can be based on the completion of a task,
your child’s commitment to a project or ability to accept critical
feedback.
LIBRARIAN
Schedule a consistent and weekly time to use the library. Explore the
library’s many resources. Be sure to check-out magazines, videos,
CDs, and books-on-tape.