Q & A Time!

Summer is here, but some moms have questions that come to mind. These questions can come from how to cook something delicious when it is hot out to how do I help my child with their reading and math skills without a fight? Here are some great answers to some of your questions:

Q: When I want to make a favorite summer salad but I’m afraid to use mayo. What can I do?

A: There are wonderful family recipes we can’t wait to make when summer comes rolling around. But what do we do when the weather reaches high temperatures? One way to have great-grandma’s recipe is to replace the mayo with an Italian dressing. The warm taste of your grandma’s love can stay present while we don’t have to worry about making anyone sick in the process. A second way to include the family potato recipe without making everyone queasy is by serving the salad bowl literally over ice while sitting in small cooler. The salad stays cool and everyone stays healthy. The last way to have beautiful summer salads at your outing is to make veggie or fruit salads instead. It will still take ice and cool compartments to keep them refreshing. You not only get your 5 to stay alive, but you get to share some of the best tasting fruits & vegetables of the season.
Q: How do I teach my child how to swim?                 

A: Before I reveal my secrets, please be sure to teach not only swimming, but all safety aspects at a pool. Number one rule is to ALWAYS be with your child without being on your phone. That post on Facebook or pool picture will just have to wait. Remind your child of the pool signs of rules such as no running, no glass containers, and the emergency phone numbers.

Ok, first, look in your local paper for lifeguards that may come to your pool to teach. Next, look into the swim lessons offered at the local YMCA. Last, as a stay-at-home-mom and pool lover, I would be in the pool with my children while they wore the arm floaties. It is important to be within arm’s length. As my child became more comfortable with the water and the floaties on their arms, I would release just a small amount of air from the floats. It would make them kick harder and practice to tread water on their own. Little by little, they become more confident and stronger in the water. Again, being on your phone outside the pool water is the wrong way to go about helping your child to learn to swim. Your attention must be on them every minute they are in the water.

Q: How do I keep my children reading through the summer, but make it fun?

A: One great idea is to select a book that can be read aloud throughout the summer that has a movie. (For example, James & the Giant Peach, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Winn Dixie, or Wonder, which is coming out this summer.)Your kids can read paragraphs or pages when they want. Pick a time every day, preferably the same time, to read. This is a great time to get connected with your kids and spend some much needed relaxing, quiet, quality time with your family. When you come to the end, schedule a night to have dinner & a movie at home. After the movie, compare the book to the movie. Talk about the parts that were new and the ones that were their favorite. Sometimes, if they have already seen the movie, it’s fun to read the book!

Q: How do I help my child stay at grade level during the summer?

A: The big question moms have during the summer is how to keep the knowledge learned in our child’s head? Well, depending on how much help your child needs, you can use a tutor, the internet, or both. When looking for a tutor, email your child’s teacher or ask another parent from your neighborhood. They may have heard from another friend during swim lessons. Also, below are some wonderful websites free or with a small charge to help with keeping your child practicing their skills in reading and math. Your next question might be, “How do I get my child to do the work on the internet?” That’s easy; connect their work completion on something or somewhere your child is interested in going like local zoo, water park, or movie theater. Be aware that some of these websites have fun games to go with them, so be attentive on what site they are on to keep the learning.

Khan Academy: This is a great site for parents to help your child in different math concepts. First, create an account as a parent. Next, in the search area, type in the concept and grade level you are looking to use. For instance, type in 4th grade fractions into the search area. Videos are available that teach step by step how to look at a concept and solve problems. The voice of the man who teaches is very soothing. He also teaches and recommends pauses for students during a lesson to take some thinking time. He also offers practice after his lessons. There’s a place to ask for help if you get stuck.

Reading A-Z: This reading site is used by teachers in the classroom. Ask your child’s teacher for the password that they use at school. Otherwise, you can sign up for a 14 day trial or purchase. Although the cost is approximately $100, it has books on line where they can do quizzes to practice their comprehension skills.

Read Naturally: This reading program is research based using an initial timed reading, practice questions, re-reading the passage while listening, and a final timed reading all based on their level. The leveled numbers do not coincide with your student’s grade level. For example, level 2.0 is not for 2nd grade. Their level is based on their fluency reading of words per minute (wpm) at the time of initial testing. There is a video showing how the program works. If your child shows signs of dyslexia, this is a great program. Students with dyslexia need to continue to practice daily. This program is perfect for that situation.

BrainPop: This program has videos to teach in any area using cartoon characters Tim and Moby. By going to Google, look up Free Stuff BrainPOP and try out a few videos in the areas that are troubling your child. The lessons also come with quizzes to see how much information is being retained by your child. If this is something that your child likes, ask your child’s teacher if their school has an account to use. If no account at your school, there is only a $10+ a month fee. Twenty dollars to help teach your child’s subjects at home by using a fun cartoon during the summer is a great deal.

Last A: I hope these answers help you create a productive yet a fun summertime for you and your children. My goal is to pass on and help all moms. Please share with your friends and please like my page.