Special section : technology in the classroom
Book bags , pencils , pens , lunch boxes , school clothes : Check ! Your kids are ready for the school year with their shiny new school supplies . But are they ready ? Often we equate preparing for school with shopping and making sure our kids have enough school supplies . When the purchasing frenzy is over , what is left to do ? Quite a bit , actually .
Those weeks before the start of school are a perfect time to mentally prepare your children for the school year and to create your own game plan for a smooth year . Here are some tips to keep in mind during your last weeks of summer vacation .
Get Prepared for Technology
PowerPoint presentations in 4th grade ? The 3 R ’ s now have a T … Technology , our newest form of literacy . The accessibility of technology increases daily and with it comes the expectation that students are also technologically savvy . Many school districts expect children to know how to use the basics of the Microsoft Office Suite : Word , Excel , and PowerPoint .
Pencil and paper are no longer the preferred means of communication . Writing assignments must be typed , presentations are designed using PowerPoint , and homework is often accessed through iPads . Even kindergartners are tapping away at computers equipped with skillbuilding software . Investing wisely in technology prevents much of the lag that comes from not having basic keyboarding skills or computer knowledge .
Technology is rapidly changing and the availability of products is always increasing , so parents can find inexpensive tablets , iPads , and laptops for half the price from even five years ago . Printers and scanners are remarkably affordable these days , allowing students to print , scan or email assignments to teachers .
Don ’ t be surprised if teachers ask your fifth grader to make a PowerPoint presentation about Abraham Lincoln to present in front of the class .
Get ‘ Em Up and Reading
With cloudless blue skies and gorgeous temperatures , many parents find it virtually impossible to anchor their children down to read books ; however , that ’ s exactly what parents must do . Some children are naturally drawn to books while others need to be coaxed . Nonetheless , even if your children have avoided reading all summer , they can get their reading muscles moving and ready to start the school year when provided engaging and fun books .
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