subject: 4th Grade Spelling Activities For The Summer [print this page] Keeping your 4th grader to be engaged in learning over the summer may seem impossible. However, learning can be fun and there are a number of ways that you can incorporate learning into daily activities that won't bore them to pieces. One of the best ways I have found to engage my children is to make them my very special personal assistant. Children like responsibility and it provides a real self esteem boost. Show them you trust them and need them and it will benefit your entire family.
Grocery Shopping
Kids rarely enjoy grocery shopping, but you can help your child learn how things are spelled by splitting your list up. Prepare your list by aisle and let your child help you get items by reading the list and finding the item. Your grocery time will be cut in half and they will have learned how many words are spelled. They will also learn how to shop and what your family eats. They might even notice prices. If you like, you can reward them for their hard work by letting them select something for themselves within your budget. For additional practice, have them help you write out the list!
Practice Online or Print Out Worksheets
There are literally thousands of spelling websites, many of which are free. Find sites with age appropriate lists and let them practice online for a few minutes a day or complete a worksheet per day. Alternatively, some schools have the upcoming year's spelling words posted. Perhaps you could have your child practice a few from each list over the summer to become familiar with the words. Even a word find or other game can be a fun activity that will help them recognize words by searching for them. These kinds of activities can increase vocabulary and reading speed as well.
Journal With a Twist
Kids who enjoy writing or coloring can journal about weekly activities or what you did on vacation. Don't require them to look up every word, but instead, have them write and you be the editor. Correct just a few words per page so they can learn. Explain how even professional writers have editors who help them with their content. If they want to produce mini books for the family to read or short comics that is a real plus. If they have younger siblings, they can make books for them to read. It's a great opportunity to reward your young writer with praise.
