Monday
When you ask your child to come up with more than one solution for a problem, you’re helping him become a flexible thinker. Try this: State a problem, like being stranded on a deserted island. How many solutions can he think of? (Build a raft. Light a signal fire.)
Tuesday
Play an imaginary game of catch, but instead of a ball, “toss” rhymes! One person acts out pitching a ball and says a random word (“flavor”). The “catcher” tosses back a rhyming word (“savor”). When you run out of rhymes, “throw” a new word.
Wednesday
Suggest that your child make a bar graph of all the pets in her life. She can list animals (dog, cat, lizard) along the bottom of a sheet of graph paper, then color a square in the correct column for each one a friend or relative has. Which pet is most common?
Thursday
Classic childhood games can increase your youngster’s ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. Try games like “Red Light, Green Light,” “Simon Says,” and “Mother, May I?” Take turns leading the game so your child gets the chance to give instructions..
Friday
Laughter is a proven stress reliever, so try taking a “humor break” today. You might tell jokes or do a silly dance like the Hokey-Pokey or the Chicken Dance. Or hold a contest where you try not to laugh—who can make the other person laugh first?
Saturday
Finding evidence to back up conclusions is a key skill for a growing reader. Give your child practice on movie night. You might ask how she thinks a character feels, then ask “How do you know?”
Sunday
Being able to recognize social cues can help your child “read” people and react appropriately. Role-play to help him develop this skill. For example, you might tap your foot and look at your watch to show impatience or nod while he talks to show you are listening.
