Basic HTML Version
70
maskmatters.org
summer
2012
making the
grade
educate
CHILD READING LIST
• “The Family Book”
by Todd Parr
• “Family Fun Nights: 140
Activities the Whole Family
Will Enjoy”
by Lisa Bany-Winters
• “The Mother-Daughter
Cookbook: Recipes to Nourish
Relationships”
by Lynette
Rohrer Shirk
PARENT READING LIST
• “Around the Table: Connecting
With your Family at
Mealtimes”
by Sharon Fleming
• “Fathering Your School-Age
Child: A Dad’s Guide to the
Wonder Years”
by Armin A.
Brott
• “How Was School Today?
Fine.”
by Shannon and
Peyton White
✪
{
DID YOU KNOW?
}
Parental involvement in schools is highest in elementary school, with close to 90 percent of parents
attending a parent-teacher conference or school event.
The Family
Connection
Elementary School
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
in
summer
2012
maskmatters.org
71
CONVERSATION
STARTERS
•
Share five things you would
love for us to do together.
(Have them write a list and
give it to you. Be prepared to
follow through.)
•
I’d like for us to read together
before you go to bed at
night. What are some of your
favorite books?
•
I’ve noticed you really enjoy
__________. Can you show me
how to do it?
•
I know that __________ food is
your favorite. How about this
week we make it together?
F
or many families, the elementary school years are an exciting
time for both parent and child. Everyday, he is learning new
things and gaining new skills. As your child grows and learns,
it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the things they do
well and help them through the things they find challenging.
As minor as this may seem, what you’re actually doing is beginning to lay
the foundation for a strong connection with your child, one that will benefit
them as they grow older and establish new relationships in their lives.
To connect with your elementary school-age child, it’s all about doing
the things they enjoy doing and getting down to their level. Play board
games with them, wrestle and tickle, throw the ball with them—basically
any activity they love to do. Creative play is also a great way to connect with
them. Color, draw, cook or bake with them. You’ll not only enjoy the time
spent with them, but you’ll also discover their creativity and curiosity.
What You Can Do
•
Establish a “family night” to play games or watch movies.
Create a different theme each time.
•
Go on a “date” with your child to give them one-on-one
time. If you have multiple kids, rotate through and give
them each their special night.
•
Tuck them in at night. Children are usually more talkative
when they are tired.
•
Allow your child to take the lead in the activity of
their choice. Whether it’s building a fort or playing dress
up, get down to their level so they can see you in a
different light.
•
Share the importance of family meals. Breakfast, lunch
or dinner—even dessert—can be a great opportunity to
connect with your child.
•
Encourage your child to come up with a different family
activity you can do every weekend.
•
Find an ongoing activity you can continue to do together
as they get older, such as walking the dog, volunteering,
cooking or bike riding.
whAT IT
lOOkS lIkE
•
Doing homework or studying
together.
•
Volunteering in the
classroom.
•
Attending school functions
and events.
•
Having lunch with your child
at school.
•
Attending birthday parties
and social gatherings.
•
Playing, reading or listening
to music together.