Classpage - Michele Kutsch

I added a summer reading page from a great website. If you would like to email me about your child's favorite summer reading books, I will be glad to post recommended reading on our website. Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

1. Take a trip to your local library and have your child sign up for the summer reading program. They offer great incentives as well as fun and educational programs that you can attend with your child.

2. Read, Read, Read. Have your child pick out books that interest him or her. I have always told the class that good readers take a picture walk to start thinking about what the book will be about. Be sure to stop along the way and ask questions about the story. What do you think will happen next? Why? Also check to see if your child is reading with expression. At the end of the story, check for comprehension. Ask questions that have to do with different parts of the story. Who was the main character? What was the setting?

3. Continue to have your child review the words on their word ring. Pick a few words for them to use in a sentence. Have them identify the naming and action parts of the sentence.

4. Say a cvc (consonant vowel consonant) word and have your child write down the beginning, middle, or ending sound of the word. At the same time, you can be checking to see if he/she is writing their letters correctly!

2. Review addition/subtraction and the concept of adding and taking away. Give them situations where they have to decide if they need to add or take away.

* You may also use the Kindergarten checklist that you received as a guide for additional skills to work with your child on over the summer.

*If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. I will be checking the website at least once a week.

*I wish you all a very happy and safe summer. I will look forward to seeing you in September! May God Bless.

Kindergarten Summer Reading

Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for kindergarten summer fun, we turned to the nation’s finest independent bookstores to get their favorites, from classics to new releases, swashbuckling adventures to the just plain fun, silly or sweet. Here are their recommendations for a summertime full of fantastic books:

Mole Music by David McPhail

In his underground home Mole is missing something in his life. When he acquires a violin and learns to play beautiful music, his life changes and the music changes all who hear it. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO. Where to buy.

Max and Mo’s First Day at School by Patricia Lakin

A whimsical story of two hamsters and their first day at school. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Where to buy.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O’Connor

Nancy is “furious” when she has to miss a friend’s birthday party, but discovers that her grandparents’ 50th anniversary celebration is fancy enough to satisfy her. Recommended by Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA. Where to buy.

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Cheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship. This perfect read-aloud features English tea time and deft comedy. Recommended by 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL. Where to buy.

Fabian Escapes by Peter McCarty

A dog enjoys staying indoors while his cat friend Fabian goes outside to play. Illustrated in lush watercolors, this sequel to the Caldecott winning Hondo and Fabian is a beautiful treat. Recommended by Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Los Altos, CA. Where to buy.

Sergio Makes a Splash by Edel Rodriguez

This funny book is perfect for helping young children overcome fears. Sergio the Penguin loves water; just not if his feet don’t touch the bottom. When he joins the class on a swimming trip to the ocean, he takes with him his snorkel and waterwings (just in case). While watching the other penguins have fun, Sergio plucks up the courage to join in. Despite a few mishaps along the way, Sergio finally “takes the plunge” with happy results. Recommended by Kepler’s Bookstore, Menlo Park, CA. Where to buy.

Want to see more from Education.com’s book list? Here’s a collection of our favorite books for kindergarten:

Fany Nancy by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser (HarperCollins, 2005)

The color fuchsia, lace-trimmed socks, tiaras, French accents and frilly toothpicks, this little sister likes all things f-a-n-c-y FANCY, and she's generously willing to share her expertise in private lessons.

book2 An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long (Chronicle Books, 2006)

Though most children encounter eggs cold, white and by the dozen in their refrigerator, this book brings eggs to life as the source of just that, in a multitude of colors, shapes, and textures. A lovely literary introduction to looking closely at the natural world.