Gallery: Ten Out Of This World Chapter Books

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To me, the best holiday books aren't necessarily the most popular books of the season, but rather those that give kids (and adults alike) a reason to slow down and ponder. No matter what holiday is being celebrated, I find that the winter season is so heavily overshadowed by commercialism that finding and sharing books with kids that are not all about getting stuff is a much needed antidote to all the hype.

I have a collection of books I read aloud to my students every year, and many that I read to my four year old. They are books that explore the broad themes of peace, friendship, gratitude, simplicity and tradition. I've picked them not only for their well crafted beautiful sentences, but also for their sumptuous illustrations which bring a richness and depth to the telling of each story.

From classics revisited to poems and stories by renowned authors, this collection includes, in my opinion, some of the best holiday books ever.

Continue reading Ten Best Holiday Books for Kids

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As the air is getting colder and November is on it's way, even my second graders are coming to school curious and opinionated about the current political race. They hear snippets of news; overhear their parents talking. They have questions. They want answers.

In social studies we're investigating our local community. As a part of the study we've been exploring the purpose of rules, and the roles of leaders within the community. Naturally, the president has come up a fair amount, because, well, to someone who is eight the president is pretty much in charge of EVERYTHING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.

According to second graders, the president is the boss of everyone. He makes all the rules (including the speed limits, and the consequences for jay-walking) and he tells everyone what to do.

Just imagine their surprise when our local friendly police officer came to do a presentation and informed them that it's actually the elected members of the legislature who make the rules, and not so much the president.

What then, does the president DO, they wanted to know?

Well...

Continue reading Should politics have a place in the classroom?

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It was the kind of weather that called us outdoors every day for an extra mid-morning recess.

Even though I'm theoretically sacrificing academic time by heading outdoors for a handful of minutes with my class, I find I mostly gain time because the children are less restless and more willing to settle down with a good chapter book or a math activity when their bodies have had some time to run outdoors. But I also like going outdoors with them because it gives me a chance to watch them interacting together in an unstructured way.

I keep noticing how uncertain they are in their play together without an adult intervening for them whenever something doesn't go their way.

I know. I've probably exhausted you with my posts about play and children, but it's my obsession. I can't let it go.

Continue reading Playground etiquette - Letting kids be kids?

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Today we changed the calendar in our classroom. A brand new month with all its possibilities. October, with it's red maple leaves, fat pumpkins and decidedly chilly weather. But while I look forward to October because it is the pinnacle of my favorite season, when the hills turn vermilion and yellow, and the first twinge of wood smoke is in the air, the children love it for a different reason entirely. Halloween.

For children, at least all children who attend mainstream public schools, Halloween is at the zenith of all things adored: fantasy, candy, mystery, and the possibility of being afraid but not too afraid. Already they've been talking about their costumes for weeks, and with the turning of the calendar, we've aquired a new classroom routine: counting down the days.

Today 29, tomorrow 28. And they're pestering me, "Can we have a Halloween party, PULEEEZE?"

As a teacher in a public school I've always sort of dragged my feet on this one. I've let the kids share their excitement, and swap stories about what they're planning to wear for the big night, but I've kind of tried to stay away from having a full blown party in our classroom... because, well, isn't it somehow blurring the separation of church and state?

Almost every year I've had at least one child whose family doesn't celebrate Halloween. And granted, in its current form, decidedly one of the least denominational holidays hyped by the media. Yet it is still a holiday with religious origins, and parents who don't celebrate the holiday have every right to expect that it won't be foisted on their kid at school-right?

Or maybe kids should just be allowed to be kids at school-regardless of what their parents believe? Perhaps they should be allowed to soak up their classmate's excitement and engage in a full-blown Halloween party with sticky popcorn balls and freaky costumes even if their parents don't let them dress up or engage in such activities at home. Forget the Day Of the Dead for a second. The only thing kids care about is the candy anyway. Right?

What do you think? Should kids be allowed to celebrate Halloween in school-or should schools skip such festivities all together?

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On the first day of fall there is frost on the grass in the fields as I drive to work. The maples are turning red. The kids come dashing into the classroom wearing new snug fleeces and sneakers: the first time their toes have been covered since summer.

Every week I am struck by their exuberance; by their unbounded energy and enthusiasm. They come into the classroom like puppies--especially the boys, always the boys. They race one another to the door even though they're supposed to be using walking feet. They laugh, twirl, share stories about their bus rides ("Our bus almost exploded this morning! Really!"), and swap glimpses at secret diaries (a new obsession among the girls.) They come to school eager to play, eager to have fun, eager to learn.

And it's this fact--that they have this unquenchable desire to chase each other around the room or linger in a corner whispering secrets--that always makes a lump swell at the back of my throat; because especially during these weeks in mid September, every single teacher in every single classroom is focused on academic testing. Play isn't even on the schedule.

Continue reading Does your child spend enough time playing?

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Today was Picture Day.The day responsible for the documentation of kids as they grow, wearing dorky hairdos (a.k.a my three inch hair-sprayed bangs in seventh grade) and awkward fashion trends. The day that marks the start to another school year; another September.

Every year the kids come to school on Picture Day giddy and twittering, and they wear everything under the sun: from ties and Oxford shirts, to favorite tees that are ripped and worn. Some girls try to get away with makeup. They sneak to the bathroom and come out with an excessive lip gloss smile. Others come with hair curled, outfits perfectly matched. They spend all morning terrified that they'll get something on their shirts, and that if they do, their Moms will kill them.

I love watching the kids arrive on Picture Day because I get a different glimpse of them on this day than I do on any other. I see them dressed up and dressed down--reflecting their own varied styles and the styles of their parents. I catch a glimmer of the kids who have their own fashion sense--who's to say a ripped pirate shirt and a pair of beaten up soccer shoes isn't all the rage? I get a snapshot of those parents who either care a lot, or don't care at all about how their children dress.

As a parent, I fall somewhere in the middle, leaning ever so slightly towards to the don't care at all side of things. I let my son, who just started preschool a couple of weeks ago, pick out his clothes. It doesn't bother me at all when he wears striped and plaid and possibly a Hawaiian print shirt to boot. As long as he's happy, I'm cool. Mostly.

Continue reading What your child wears to school - Does it matter?

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It's the end of the third week of school. The weather has become suddenly chill. The playground is windy, and the grass is littered with the first colored leaves. The kids wear brightly colored sweatshirts, but shiver because the habit of shorts and skirts is not easily broken. Their summer tans are still dark, and their laughter is ruckus as they run towards the recess yard.

For the first several weeks of school I make a point of heading outdoors for some extra play time. Time to play group games and giggle. Time to teach the kids how to be freinds, good sports, and comrads in play. Remember Capture the Flag and Kick the Can? It's my mission to re-teach these classic games to the younger generations, who seem to have never learned them.

But we're also heading outdoors because natural light helps kids learn.

In fact, "...students with the most daylight in their classrooms perform better-by 20 percent on math tests and by 26 percent on reading tests-than those with less daylight...." which is incentive enough to head outside, away from our fluorescent lighted classroom, with it's single (albeit rather large) window.

The children come back indoors refreshed and lively. They are able to concentrate longer, even if all they do outdoors was sit and read under big trees (and not run around at all.) And it's always the sunniest days in the classroom, when the yellow sunlight is falling in rectangles across the carpet, that we have one of those days: a quiet hum of activity, everyone busy learning, everyone content and focused.

It's a fact that you should keep in mind too, when your kid heads off the bus directly for the T.V. set, or the computer. Insist your child spend as much time outdoors while the weather still permits it! And when planning a workspace for your child to complete homework, or do weekend reading or projects, pick one with an abundance of natural light.

Does your child's classroom have ample natural light? If not, offset the effects of being under artificial light all day with a quick walk around the block, or a story read in a cozy window nook drenched in late afternoon sunlight.

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The first week of school is behind us now-and we're in the midst of the second, getting used to routines, expectations and each other. The classroom is bustling with activity from the minute the children arrive, to when they leave, tired and hot at the end of the day.

Aside from building a strong classroom community during the first couple of weeks of school, teachers spend the bulk of their time trying to get to know their students-both personally and academically. We have so many questions: did our students regress over the summer or grow? Did they read? Do math? Play games? Travel?

We spend our days conferring with individual students and soliciting information through writing prompts, drawing activities, and assessments.

As parents, you are likely doing the same thing, right? Every parent comes with a pocketful of worries, questions and concerns.

I know this is true because my son just started preschool this past week, anda great deal of my time is consumed with wondering about small things-will they open his lunch containers for him? Will they heat up his food? Will they help him make friends?

But really, when I think about it, all these little concerns amount to one great big huge one: will my son's teachers see him as he really is? Will they get to know him, and help him to grow and learn without quashing his sweet earnestness?

Continue reading Worries and wonderings - The first few weeks of school

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Today was the first day of school for my district. The kids came tumbling down the hall and into my classroom, grinning and shy and eager..

As I watched take over the pristine room---looking for their cubbies and their desks, and reading directions together for the morning task---I was struck, as I am every year, by how differently the boys and the girls approach learning and being in school.

In general, the boys in my room have a thirst for movement---their bodies do not want to be still. They want to be touching and exploring and climbing and rolling and wiggling. They are great with spatial problem solving; but are challenged by multi-step directions.

Continue reading Are boys needs being met in school?

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As kids head back to school with new backpacks and sneakers and grins missing teeth, you're breathing a sigh of relief. Right? Isn't that what you're doing?

Well, maybe not if your child is going to school for the first time (if that's the case, deep breath, everything will be FINE....) But for kids heading back to school for the second year, or the fifth for that matter, you know your child is re-entering the realm of structured routines, after school activities, and yes, homework.

Is it a good thing? The homework, I mean. Some parents say it's the best thing ever--and they hound me from day one for more homework, more homework. Others say the opposite, and wonder why I ever send any homework home at all.

In my opinion homework in the elementary grades serves only one purpose: to get young students into routine of doing homework in preparation for the later grades. Other than that, I think it interferes with the meaningful and enriching activities children should be doing after school and at home with their families. Call me a renegade, but there is quite a bit of research out there to support my view.

Don't get me wrong-I'm not saying children should go home and play video games all afternoon. I think every child should spend time with books every single day--reading independently and being read. I also think that parents should involve their children in other meaningful academic activities that are incorporated into daily life--like playing math games, or doing research on a topic that the child is interested in.

But homework for homework's sake when your kid is 6 years old? I'm not convinced.

I'm curious. Do you think homework in the early grades is important and necessary--or is it overrated, and perhaps taking precious time away from other activities children could be doing?

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Where I live, the first of the leaves have begun to turn red on a handful of maples, and the crickets are singing their ruckus end of summer song. In a matter of days, school will start.

In a matter of days, if you have a kindergartner or first grader, your child will be embarking on a completely new academic adventure. Back pack in tow, your kid will climb onto a yellow school bus at the curb, or perhaps you'll drive her there and watch as she runs towards her classroom door with a lump the size of a mango pit in your throat.

The first day of school is a nervy, butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of morning for everyone--and to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a list of a few things to expect and remember on that all important day.

Start the morning with a good breakfast. Much research has been done about the link between breakfast and academic success. And while the first few days (or weeks even) of kindergarten and first grade are less about plunging into academics and more about building a strong classroom community, a good breakfast will give your child an added boost of confidence. Hungry kids are often anxious and moody, and sugar-packed pop tarts and other breakfast items often leave kids crashing mid morning. Opt for oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins, french toast, scrabbled eggs, or even, my son's favorite (our family's version of a toad in the hole): a grilled bagel with a fried egg in the hole.

Pack a healthy snack. After your child arrives in her new classroom, she'll likely spend the morning doing fun activities such as drawing, writing her name and decorating a name tag, and participating in a morning meeting where all the children will get to meet each other and be introduced. Before she starts to delve into the academic part of the morning your child will probably have a chance to eat snack. Remember, many--if not most--classrooms have children with peanut and nut allergies, so instead of packing these stand-bys opt for other protein rich options like a mini bagel & cream cheese, string cheese, yogurt, or veggies & hummus. Your child probably won't eat a lot--so instead of packing a huge amount of one thing, pack small amounts of foods your child likes in reusable containers (think GREEN!)

Include a note. New kindergartners and first graders love getting notes--and their teachers will always be willing to read them--so don't worry if your child can't read yet. Something as simple as "We are so proud of you!" on a post-it, or as fancy as a little letter on specialized princess stationary will make the rest of your child's morning just that much more positive.

After snack your child will probably spend some time exploring books, even if she is not yet a reader, and some time investigating basic math concepts. Your child might also have the chance to meet a few more new teachers if her class has a "special" like music, art, P.E. or technology scheduled for the morning.

Make sure your child will be having a healthy lunch. If your child will be eating a hot lunch from the cafeteria--go over the lunch options in advance, so that there are no tears when she gets something she doesn't want to eat. On days that the menu doesn't work, or if you send a cold lunch every day, remember to think in terms of something from every food group. There are so many great blogs and websites out there right now to provide inspiration for school lunches. I'm kind of into the idea of bento boxes--except, does anyone really have as much time as this super mom to make your kid's lunch look this cool?

In the afternoon your child will probably spend some time listening to a read aloud, doing an art or craft activity, writing, and sharing. A good lunch will give her the necessary foundation for afternoon success and happiness. One thing I can't help but rant about here--because I see it every year--are those ridiculous pre-packaged lunches. The portion sizes are too small--for any of the foods that contain actual nutritional content--and they are packed with sugar and sodium which invariably result in grumpy tired kids. Skip them except for an occasional treat (if at all.)

Be on time to pick your child up. Whether you're meeting your child at the bus stop, or picking her up at school--nothing is worse for your kiddo than expecting to see you...and then not. If you're running really late or are stuck in traffic, call the school secretary and she'll pass the message on to your child's teacher.

Ask specific questions. Without a doubt your child will have an amazing first day--but when you ask her "How was your day?" Odds are she'll say "Fine." And that will be that. The trick to finding out more about your kid's day is to ask her specific questions--like: "Did you find someone to play with at recess?" "What was your favorite thing about lunch time?" or "Did your teacher read a book to the class today?" These kinds of questions will get your child started talking--and soon you'll know all about how their first day went.

As a teacher, the first day of school is one of my favorite days. I love watching the kids come in and get started--bustling and eager, or shy and reserved. I love their new school clothes and their brand new back packs and their ready grins. Happy back-to-school!

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Since I posted a list of ways to make your child's teacher love you last week, I figured I'd follow up with a list of list of things I suggest you might avoid doing as a parent... if you want your child's teacher to like you.

Of course, this isn't to say that if you do something on the list, your kid's teacher will immediately despise you, because teachers are by nature and profession both forgiving and ridiculously patient and understanding. Still. It might be a good idea to take some mental notes-as all of these things have really happened. Some with surprising frequency. And they kind of make teachers nuts.

1) If you send a note or email, don't also call and leave a message about the content of the note. We'll get the note/email. Promise.

2) Unless it's school policy don't "stop by" first thing in the morning as the kids are just arriving to talk. In fact, even if your school allows this, it's not the best time. Usually your child's teacher wants to greet her students, and those precious 10 minutes of arrival time mean getting a last sip of coffee, reviewing lesson plans, and hearing little antecdotes from individual students. If you just want to "talk" about how things are going, write a note, email, or leave a message asking when is a good time to do so.

3) Don't say YOU DONT DO EMAIL. It's the twenty-first century. EMAIL. End of story.

4) Do not ask your child's teacher to remind your 1st grader (or older) to use the bathroom, blow her nose, use chapstick, etc. By first grade your kid should get the hang of this. Write him a note and stick it in his lunchbox if he really needs reminding.

5) If your child is doing well in school, don't harp on your teacher for the things she is not doing (i.e. if your kid is doing well in math, don't criticize the math program.)

6) Don't imply (without spending quality time in your child's classroom) that the teacher doesn't pay enough attention to your child. (Yes, parents really say this. My colleagues will attest.) Chances are, your kid is getting more than their fair share. Teachers love kids. THAT IS WHY WE TEACH. We have your kid's best interest in mind.

If you are concerned about your child, start by acknowledging the fact that your child's teacher has other kids to teach also. Don't imply that your child deserves more attention than any other kid; chances are this will make your child's teacher want to give your kid less attention. Not that she will. But it will certainly make her want to. (Yes, parents have really suggested this on more than one occasion.)

7) Even if your child is gifted, trust that your child's teacher is doing everything in her power to nurture your child as a well-rounded learner. Do not say things like, "what are you doing to prepare my child for the SAT's?" when your kid is in FIRST GRADE.

8) Don't belittle or berate your child's teacher in front of her students. It's obnoxious. And entirely inappropriate. (This has happened at least once to every teacher I know.)

9) Don't imply that it is your child's teacher's responsibility to remediate current flaws in the district curriculum. It isn't. We're contractually bound to teach the curriculum provided. But chances are, if there really is a problem with the curriculum, a committee is working on it. So be patient.

10) And most importantly, don't try to discuss your child's social, emotional, or academic needs or concerns in front of your child, or with other student's present. YOUR CHILD WILL HEAR YOU AND FEEL AWFUL. Also, it's just totally poor taste. So don't do it.

Does anyone have any other tips to add?

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One thing that can be guaranteed at the start of a new school year is back-to-school jitters, for children and parents alike. I am often asked by friends, "How do I go about getting to know my child's teacher without coming off as pushy?" etc. And I love answering that question, because it's simple, really.

Here are a few things you can do to get to know your child's teacher at the start of the school year, and throughout:

Ten Things You Can Do to Make Your Child's Teacher Love You Forever:

1) On the first day of school, feel free to introduce yourself and your child-if that's your school's policy. Many schools do not allow parents to come down to the classrooms during pick up and drop off of students-because of safety, and because it is a busy (hectic) time, where teachers are focused making sure everyone arrives safely, finds his or her materials and gets started on the morning activity. If your school does not allow parents to come down to the classroom at this time, respect the rule. It's there for a reason.

2) Acknowledge that you understand that your child's teacher is probably the busiest human on the face of the earth. Ask her what the most convenient way for her to stay in touch is, and then use that form of communication. Stopping by the classroom just before or after your child goes to lunch is a reasonable time that first week to check in and say hello to your child's teacher (if you cannot come down to the classroom during drop off.) But remember, this is also the teacher's lunch time, so keep the visit to the important minimum of asking when and how you can best informally be in touch.

3) If you want to volunteer, be specific. Tell the teacher what your areas of interest are. Come with suggestions or ideas for how you could be useful in the classroom. Teachers get overwhelmed trying to utilize parent volunteers. If we know you're really good at baking cookies and that you'd like to share that skill with the class, we're more likely to ask you to help.

4) Use Email.

5) If you have specific concerns about your child-perhaps your child has a severe food allergy, or ADHD, or you're worried about a learning disability that runs in your family, or even that your child is exceptionally gifted-email your child's teacher with your concerns, then ask for a time to meet to share important background information. You are an invaluable part of your child's academic team, and teachers want-and need-to hear from you. Just maybe not on the first day. Right at drop off.

6) Just once all year long, stop by with a large coffee for your child's teacher. It will make her think you are the nicest person in the entire world. Having your kid give his teacher a hand-decorated bag of homemade cookies will also make her think your family is the nicest family ever.

6) At the Holidays, write your child's teacher a thoughtful card noting a few reasons you really appreciate her. This goes farther than any gift you'll ever give.

7) Offer to coordinate a classroom activity such as a brunch, presentation, pizza party, etc. She'll swoon.

9) Bring in consumable supplies like tissues and wipes, without being begged to do so. (Supplies are in short demand in every school.) Other things you could randomly bring include balls for the recess yard, fun indoor recess games, or a dustpan and a kid sized broom. These things are pretty much considered GOLD by teachers.

10) Show up for your child's presentations, conferences and performances and show genuine interest in your kid. Seems totally obvious right? You'd be surprised at how many parents skip these things. Of course-work schedules make this difficult, and if this is the case, email your child's teacher ahead of time with the conflict.

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After Amanda Peet made quite a stir in this month's Cookie magazine with her comparison of parent's who don't vaccinate their kids to "parasites" she offered an apology.

"I believe in my heart that my use of the word 'parasites' was mean and divisive," Peet writes. "I completely understand why it offended some parents, and in particular, parents of children with autism who feel that vaccines caused their illness. For this I am truly sorry. Since my mom has Parkinson's Disease, I know what it feels like to want a concrete cause, and a concrete cure, as soon as possible."

But she then proceeds to reiterate her stance: that the only way to go, is pro vaccine, and that anyone who thinks there is a link between autism and vaccines are misinformed.

Gallery: Celebs setting a bad example?

Of course, she has a point, and some hard facts to back her up. But... a fear of an increased risk of autism isn't the only reason parents who don't vaccinate their kids, don't. And many parents who get lumped into the category of 'anti-vaccination' are actually just altering their child's vaccination schedule so as to avoid over-taxing of the immune system that occurs when multiple vaccinations are given at the same time. Yet Peet claims these parents are believers in a "fringe" theory--likening their beliefs to those who still claim that HIV is a government conspiracy.

What do you think of Amanda Peet's apology? Is it sincere or just damage control?

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Right about now back to school supply lists are cropping up everywhere. Staples usually has brightly colored fliers available with supply lists for each grade level, and almost every office supply store advertises having just exactly what you're child will need to get the new school year started. This advertising unfortunately happens well before teachers actually send out supply lists from the classrooms, and every year kids come to school with heaps of supplies they really don't need-and often, are missing a few that they could really use.

Here's the thing. Most public schools, including the one I teach at, are not actually allowed to require parents to provide any supplies at all for their children. The thing about public education is that it's supposed to be free-including materials. But because of the advertising pressure that starts mid summer and builds with a frenzy towards those last weeks in August when schools start, parents often get pushed into buying items their kids don't really need and will likely not use-or even be allowed to use at school.

Private schools of course, are allowed to request that parents buy supplies, but it's still a frugal idea to wait until the required supply list arrives in the mail, than to forge ahead using an in store checklist. But if your kid is already itching to buy new stuff, here are some basic dos and don'ts to help you decide what's necessary and what maybe isn't't.

DOS:

A sturdy backpack. Something that your child can zip and unzip himself with enough pockets to store homework, lunch, and an extra piece of clothing (or several.) Many kids like the rolling backpacks-but they often are hard to store in the classrooms, as they're typically too big for cubbies.

#2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. These are unanimously teacher's favorite pencils for writing-because they don't break in the sharpener! Don't skimp on the cheaper brands-but remember, if your child attends a public school, pencils should be provided. Still, a couple extra (sharpened) pencils that stay in your child's backpack will make it convenient for her to do homework while waiting for the bus.

Big eraser. The small erasers on the back of pencils inevitably get used much faster than the pencils. The big pink erasers are the best option. Some of the jelly-like erasers with designs and patterns on them don't actually erase very well.

A sturdy folder for homework. A system at home for checking backpacks, doing and returning homework-is a great idea. Having a consistent place to store homework will make it easier for your child to remember to do it! Kids love the two-pocket folders with fun graphics on the covers. Keep in mind, many teachers will use a particular homework folder for every child in the class-so check with your child's teacher if you're not completely sure you want to make the purchase.

A small, durable pencil case. Again, your child's teacher will likely provide the class with necessary supply containers. However, it's a great thing for your child to keep in her backpack with a few sharpened pencils and a good eraser-to take advantage of long waits for the school bus, or for you to pick her up, and get some homework done.

A notebook/journal. Kids love to doodle, write, and draw-and having a special notebook gives them a constructive and fun place to do so. Again, certainly not a must-have, but if you're going to splurge on an item your kid really wants, this one should be at the top of the list.

DON'TS:

Pencil sharpeners. Unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide one, skip it. They inevitably make a huge mess-everywhere.

Multiple-subject notebooks. For the early grades these are completely unnecessary. For the older grades, wait and see exactly what your child's teacher asks you to supply. Many times little kids end up hauling these around in their backpacks for weeks-without using them for anything!

Glue sticks & tape. Again, unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide these items, don't. Unless you send them in for the whole class---which is often a boon for teachers working with tight budgets. Independent kids with glue sticks however, can make a mess and get into trouble by using them when they aren't't supposed to be.

Rulers. Elementary age kids will not need rulers for school. Every classroom should have an adequate supply. Middle school kids doing geometry might, but again, your child's teacher will be very clear if you need to make that purchase.

Stapler. See above. And oy, have you ever noticed how much young children LOVE to staple EVERYTHING?

Post-it Notes. These are tempting-especially in all the cute styles and designs that are available. But they immediately become a distraction among peers, and are generally not a good idea.

Binders. Most elementary students (K-3) won't need a binder for any reason. Older students who are learning how to keep notes, or do homework from multiple classes might, but your child's teacher will let you know if this is a must have.

Scissors. Again-all elementary classrooms should have an adequate supply.

Crayons. Ditto. Every elementary classroom will have plenty of these!

Hopefully this list will help you navigate the lively process of buying back-to-school supplies with your child. These are tips of course, from my experience. I'm curious to hear what you have found are some back-to-school supply must-haves?

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Summer is almost over. It happens so fast, really, though I say this from the standpoint of a teacher--and not as a parent (although I have a three year old who does his share of crawling up my legs in boredom.) I know that for most of you, the end of July starts feeling like the final stage in a marathon: you're counting the days until you can send your kids back to school and enjoy your morning cup of coffee in peace.

Still, there are a couple weeks of summer left, and it is the perfect time to help your child review and practice number concepts that may have gotten left on the back burner for most of vacation. Strong math skills are critical for young learners to excel, and all too often the focus in the early grades is unduly put on reading.

Without a solid understanding of numbers, children in first and second grade can really struggle as new and more complex mathematical concepts are introduced. But a good foundation in math depends on a whole lot more than algorithms and repetition. While the workbooks that many kids do over the summer can build confidence, what they rarely do is build comprehension. Children need to understand the concepts behind number operations in order problem solve with flexibility.

So, while a grade-level appropriate workbook might have been a great way to practice and review some concepts at the beginning of the summer, now is the time to set it aside, and start playing with numbers.

Gallery: Making math fun at home

Following are a few activities that you can integrate into your daily routine at home that will give your child practice with the most fundamental concepts in math: comparing, quantifying, counting on, counting back, etc. Mastery of these apparently simple skills is actually what allows young learners to problem solve with flexiblility and apply multiple strategies when encountering new math problems--rather than relying only on a memorized algorithm.

· While cooking dinner: take a handful of dried pasta, beans, etc and have your child count the pile. Notice how she counts. Is it by ones? Twos? Challenge her to count it in at least three different ways.

· While driving to and from anywhere: count by twos, fives, tens, and ones. Once your child has mastered counting forward (to 100) practice counting backwards. Then shake things up by starting at random numbers (i.e. "count by twos starting at 46" or for an even greater challenge ask your child to count by twos starting at an odd number like 37.)

· While eating breakfast: ask your child to estimate how many pieces of cereal might fit into a measuring cup. Talk about what it means to make an estimate (in school I tell kids it's a "good guess") and what might be a reasonable or an unreasonable estimate.

· Anytime: ask your child to compare amounts of objects. Buttons, beads, marbles, stickers, etc are all fun objects to count and compare: which has most? Which has the fewest? How do they know?

· Before dinner: tell your child you need his help finding out what the family wants for dinner. Give him two menu options and have him take a survey of what each family member prefers. Surveys are a great way for children to practice collecting and organizing data. Other survey ideas: let your child use the phone to poll relatives on their favorite color, food, sport, etc. Or take a clipboard and a pencil to the park for some informal tallying.

· If you only have 3 minutes: Ask your child a bunch of quickie questions to get them thinking about the number system. "What comes before 21?" "What comes after 56?" What is one more than 18?" etc.

· If you have 5 minutes: Grab a ball to toss in the yard. Every time you toss your child the ball ask a question relating to a number pattern (such as any number plus one, any number plus two, doubles facts, any number plus 10.) This activity is especially great for hands-on learners. If your kiddo stumbles on a particular fact, keep coming back to it until it becomes familiar.

· If you have 10 minutes, ask your child to solve a problem using pictures, numbers and words. Using multiple approaches helps children become flexible with their problems solving, and encourages them to double check and support their thinking. Problems can be as simple as: how many legs are in our family? To something more complex-such as how many fingers and toes (knees, elbows, and tongues!) are in our family all together?

Almost anytime and anyplace presents itself as an opportunity for playing with numbers, once you're in the mindset. So have fun, and give your child a head start on the school year by using numbers daily in various settings.

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Okay, maybe I'm being a twinge dramatic. Still, I don't know a single teacher who doesn't wish her students were spending the summer sprawled out on the lawn reading one good book after the next, instead of say, playing with his new Nintendo Wii, or watching episodes of High School Musical. But the truth is, there is time during the summer for both: for extra screen time, and for time spent engaged in a good book-every day.

Gallery: Creating a book nook for kids

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As an elementary teacher, I get lots of the same kinds of questions from parents every year, and all of them fall into ghe general category of "How can I help my child to do his or her best in school." With Smart Start I'll be adressing a frequently asked issue realting to education. Feel free to respond in the comments with other questions you may have. My goal is to provide you with answers, tips, and insights to help you support your child as a learner at every stage.

Where I live, the air is fragrant with flowers and newly cut hay right now. It is July, and officially summer. Summer in a child's mind is a time of adventure and family, of lazy mornings and lazier afternoons.

But summer also marks the beginning of an important time in your child's academic career: a time of maintaining skills and progress. Children who do not spend time reading over the summer often show significant losses in their reading skills at the start of the new school year, and boys, specifically find it challenging to sink into a good book over the summer months.

Young boys who have just started reading chapter books often struggle with finding books that engage them. Many tend to prefer nonfiction texts or comics: stuff with a wow-factor and humor rather than character development and plot. Boys are often inclined to put the book down mid-way through and zip off to something more engaging if the book hasn't fully drawn them in, and nonfiction reading or comics caters to this style of reading.

But strong comprehension strategies are built and sustained by reading fictional chapter books that require readers to keep track of characters, monitor plot changes, make predictions, and build on prior knowledge. And it's a worthy summer cause to try and find at least one or two chapter books that belong to a series that your son likes, so that he can practice and build on some of these important reaching comprehension skills.

Gallery: Summer reading for boys ages 6-9

Continue reading Classroom Connection: Summer reading for boys

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