Work on a hobby with your child.
Discuss a controversial issue with your child. Ask, “What do you think?”
Ask what conditions make it easier for your child to do assignments. Knowing how they learn helps students do better.
Teach your child to ask who, what, when, where, why, and how when doing research.
Ask family members to describe ways they used math today.
Tell your child a story that teaches an important lesson.
Get up early one morning and take a walk around your neighborhood with your child. Does it seem different early in the morning?
Think of synonyms for words with your child. For example, a synonym for tired is fatigued.
Play Math Jeopardy. Say a number. Can your child come up with a problem for which it is the answer?
Ask what your child likes most about this year’s classes.
Ask your child to figure out the average of something: family members’ ages, number of pairs of socks owned by family members, etc.
Plan to attend as many school events for families as possible in the rest of the school year.
Encourage your child to read during quiet times at home. Before bed is a perfect time to read.
Discuss what life was like 25 years ago. What was the same? What was
different?
Ask your child to name a few favorite family activities from last year.
Make a plan to do them again this year, if possible.
Ask to hear about one thing your child is looking forward to right now.
Encourage your child to jot down unfamiliar words while reading to look up later.
Ask your child to teach you something about a school subject—even if you already know the material.
Review goals for the school year. Is your child making progress?
What is the coldest place in the nation today? The warmest? Have your child calculate the difference between the two temperatures.