6 Tips for Building a Home Reading and Writing Tool Kit
3-minute read
Today I want to talk about how to support your child at home with tools they might usually have in the classroom. With the current state of affairs in schools, even if you choose to send your child back to school part-time, when classes resume, you probably don’t want your child using another student’s things. Here’s a sweet and easy tool kit you can put together for your child to ensure they have the most success both in the classroom, and at home.
Sand Timer – I have used colorful sand timers in the past and most kids love watching the timer while they work. Students with a specific task to complete – whether it’s reading a chapter or writing a paragraph, know how much time they have to finish within a certain timeframe; for some kids this helps to focus their time and energy – for others, however, it may be a source of stress. You know your child, and if you are unsure how they will feel about it, ask them. They will be honest with you about using a sand timer, they may just want to see if it works for them. Some timers are sold in sets that range from 1 minute to as much as 30 minutes. Test it out!
Thick pencils - Yes! The ones you used in Kindergarten when you first learned to write your name. I have used this in the classroom with great success for children as old as 11, who struggle to write neatly. They love it and know it’s their special tool. The thickness of the pencil helps students to slow down their writing and their thinking, which in turn, helps to develop neat writing!
Wobble desk chair cushion – raise your hand if you have a squirmy kid who just won’t sit still? I’ve got both hands raised! I’m not talking about your grandma’s kitchen chair cushions. Wobble seat cushions are a great tool that help your child actually want to stay in their seat. Children who need the extra sensory component to stay seated will enjoy having something squishy to sit on while they work.
Chair bands – These are excellent for students who fidget or can’t keep their feet to themselves. It serves as a foot rest, and a place for them to quietly steady their precious feet.
Ergonomic pens – These pens were life savers in my 5th grade classroom. The pens are shaped like wishbones, and small hands can easily wrap around this comfortable design.
Noise-canceling headset with microphone – When you have a child who is easily distracted by dogs barking, phones ringing, and people coming in and out of your home (or the classroom), it is very disruptive to the learning process. The biggest detriments to learning are interruption and distraction. I had noise cancelling earmuffs available in my classroom. This should be made available for a child as an optional tool in cases where they will be unable to work in a quiet space.
I hope these 6 tips have been helpful to read about. These are some tools that worked brilliantly in my classroom and made for a more comfortable work environment, conducive to learning.
– With lots of love for your little one’s learning, Lexx