Fun Activities for You and Your Elementary School Child

  1. Designate one night a week a "'No TV" night with your family. Ask your child to help select games or stories, and spend some quality time with him.
  1. Help boost your child's self-esteem. Take pride in her achievements and accomplishments today and every day.
  1. Make learning to write letters and numbers fun for your child. Roll playdough or clay into long thin worms and ask her to create letters and numbers.
  1. Ask your child to help make lunch. He can pick a spot in the park so that you can share lunch together.
  1. Go to the park and take a nature hike with your child today. Ask him to point out different animals and what they need to survive (i.e. food, shelter, etc.).
  1. During the month of July, help your child make a 'countdown to school' calendar. Ask her to cross off each day at bedtime.
  1. Encourage your child to make a 'to do' list. Help him make a list of things that he would like to accomplish, then check the items once completed.
  1. Take your child shopping for school supplies. Ask her to brainstorm a list of things that she will need for school.
  1. Teach your child about recycling. Show her how to recycle items such as paper, glass and aluminum.
  1. Visit the library with your child. Encourage her to borrow books about a different country, and learn about the people, cultures, and customs of the that country.
  1. On a rainy day, set up a tent with your child in the living room. He can pretend to be a forest ranger.
  1. Help your child practice her math skills. Ask her to add up all the change in your pocket or purse today.
  1. On a large piece of construction paper, help your child write her name vertically. Using each letter, help her write words that describe her personality.
  1. Make car trips fun for your child. Play a game and ask him to point out licence plates billboards and interesting road signs.
  1. Tell your child that you love her today and every day.
  1. Get your child back in 'school mode'. Ask him to research a famous painter on the Internet. Get out the paint and let him express himself through art.
  1. Teach your child about textures. Ask her to find objects outdoors that are smooth, shiny, slimy or round.
  1. Encourage your child to make journal entries and keep track of her experiences in a new grade this coming school season.
  1. Have a back to school party for some of your child's friends.
  1. Help your child prepare for school. Talk to him about setting personal goals this year.